Windows of opportunity.

[dakazman]

   Last year’s winter was about 2 weeks, so I missed my opportunity to build so storage space in my attic. Trust me you don’t want to go in a Florida attic.
  So with fantastic weather and a cloudy day I was able to get started.
It’s not only for storage, I’m replacing my two A/C and furnaces on Thursday. I will add a separate return for the south west wing of my house. I also increased the the size of the units to 3.5 tons each.
With that said, I’m also adding another 9.5” of insulation on top of the 6” I have .
  Forgive me for not working on my baby, I really want to make it to an April 8 show in Jupiter Florida that’s 8 weeks away.
  I’m going to try my best.
Dakazman

[Kendo]

Atlanta is another place you don't go it the attic in summer. My father installed* some of this aluminized foam insulation between the rafters under the roof. It greatly reduced the heat in the attic. Basically reflect it back out before it even gets in there. He got it from Home Depot. I did the same in northern California, not as much heat, but still a big improvement.

https://www.amazon.com/US-Energy-Products-Reflective-Insulation/dp/B07QZNTD4T

*Actually, talked one of my brothers in law into installing it.

[dakazman]

 Kendo, I’ve heard of that liner, it works great from people that I know put it up . But in my situation the installation in my larger section which is 16’ above the ceiling height and over 75’ long and maybe 45’ wide . It’s just a monumental task .
    My firewall was not required when I built the house but when I was building it was a locked garage
 So I cut through it allowing easier access to the smaller section.
The opening with the steps go to the larger side.
  Going to run some more lights and a few receptacles while up here.
Dakazman

[dakazman]

      I may have my garage back tomorrow after have two new heating and A/C units installed along with some new ductwork to cover the inadequacies of the old system layout.
Temps still allowing further improvements but my body needs a rest. The faster I finish the additional insulation will help keep my home cooler for less. I’ll post more pics tomorrow but this is the before/after .

   Dakazman
 

[dakazman]

  I wish I had a simple gym membership, I lift things up and put them down, then up into attic .
 
    Adding a 12”inner diameter duct which expanded to all most 24” was a shock. repairing some minor damage the day before finished. I didn’t do the flex duct but I did the repairs and relocation. This ductwork is itchy stuff.
 
 Dakazman

[dakazman]

  Took the day off today because I could hardly bend down after walking on the top of 2x4 and ducking truss beams. I did get 8 out of the 15 bundles laid down. this week has shot back up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with full sun .I managed to stay at it till 11am. then lunch and a nap.
 Dakazman

[dakazman]

  Done with the first 15 batts of insulation. It looks like a room of snow. 
I need a week off from this job however I need to get the larger and roomier side done. 🥱😷
Dakazman

[Kendo]

For my attic re-insulation, I rippped a couple of 4x8 sheets of plywood to 2x8 and kept moving them around as walkways to whatever area was being worked. Still have a few for the remaining sections. Much easier than stepping through the ceiling (as a nephew did, and we still tease him gently

[dakazman]

  They’re back!
  I picked up another 21 batts of r30 insulation and managed to get them all in my attic for another cold spell coming Saturday and Sunday,  70’s f. This batch will be easier to place since I can walk without ducking.
 At least it’s not as itchy as it used to be.

Kendo,
I’ll have to do the plywood in the back area, otherwise I can walk easily through the rest .
Some sections I need to cut in 1’ pieces to get thru the truss system.
Dakazman
 
   

[dakazman]

 All most completed the additional 21 batts . I hope I notice the expense with lower A/C bills, which keep going up.
Dakazman

[Kendo]

I see a fan in the last photo. Do you have fans to pull air out of the attic?

(Another future option. Next time you re-roof (and if you haven't already) there are plywood sheets with aluminized mylar on one side to reflect the heat away before it even gets in there. Can you tell I've lived in the tropics?)

[dakazman]

 Kendo,
  nothing except huge vent caps. I didn't want any holes in my roof, I had clearstory windows in my other house for passive solar heat and they worked well both in summer and winter. I know, but I hate leaks. maybe I'll just add some dormers or the air handler fans I saved from the furnaces. they really keep air flowing. 4 more batts to go but with all cuts.
  Dakazman

[dakazman]

  I couldn’t do the last 4 batts , it was just too hot .
 Using my wife’s saying, tomorrow is another day.
Dakazman

[dakazman]

  Finished the larger side of the attic yesterday afternoon and took today off.
Saturday supposed to be in the 70’s and 60’s at night .  Only 2 batt’s remaining but need to be cut and squeezed into the lowest angle section.
Dakazman