Do I reinsulate the entire attic, or just the room I remodeled?

[chadl]

Hi,

I am working on my first remodel that will be going through inspections and wanted to make sure I’m doing everything right and to code.

I am gutting a bathroom on the second floor and will be putting in a new drywall ceiling as well. Insulation codes have changed since the house was built in the 50s and the current insulation doesn’t meet code. If I’m just remodeling the one room, can I use the same R value as the rest of the attic even if it’s no longer code? Do I have to bring just my bathroom ceiling area up to code with the R60 or do I have to redo the entire attic space?

Thank you for all your help!

 

[ICE]

Did you remove existing insulation? If not you can leave what is there. If you removed insulation in only the bathroom you need R60 in just the bathroom. Be aware that seventy-five year old insulation is some nasty stuff. Considering the cost to benefit ratio, I would replace all of the insulation and place a radiant barrier as well.

 

[chadl]

Did you remove existing insulation? If not you can leave what is there. If you removed insulation in only the bathroom you need R60 in just the bathroom. Be aware that seventy-five year old insulation is some nasty stuff. Considering the cost to benefit ratio, I would replace all of the insulation and place a radiant barrier as well.

Thank you! I haven’t removed the ceiling yet since I was curious about this insulation question. I’m going to try to avoid messing with it if possible.

 

[ICE]

Thank you! I haven’t removed the ceiling yet since I was curious about this insulation question. I’m going to try to avoid messing with it if possible.

Use a respirator.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Hi,

I am working on my first remodel that will be going through inspections and wanted to make sure I’m doing everything right and to code.

I am gutting a bathroom on the second floor and will be putting in a new drywall ceiling as well. Insulation codes have changed since the house was built in the 50s and the current insulation doesn’t meet code. If I’m just remodeling the one room, can I use the same R value as the rest of the attic even if it’s no longer code? Do I have to bring just my bathroom ceiling area up to code with the R60 or do I have to redo the entire attic space?

Thank you for all your help!

Do you have a building permit? If so, there should be construction documents ("plans") that were submitted with the permit application and approved when the permit was issued. What do the construction documents call for?

It appears that you can leave the existing insulation in place -- if there is any. From the Indiana IRC:

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Since there is no open cavities under a slab floor does not mean no insulation is required under the floor or against the foundation where a unconditioned garage is being changed to a conditioned room?

 

[steveray]

Do you have a building permit? If so, there should be construction documents ("plans") that were submitted with the permit application and approved when the permit was issued. What do the construction documents call for?

It appears that you can leave the existing insulation in place -- if there is any. From the Indiana IRC:

View attachment 16683

IF....the cavities are FILLED...There is no need to upgrade...If not you fill to current values or whatever fits minus venting space...