Remodeling attic

[Unregistered]

i have a 2 story cape cod....the upstairs was finished but needs updating, and or refinishing.

i have knee walls in the front and a dormer in the rear.

if i crawl behind the knee walls, it is an unfinished crawl space.
the knee wall is insulated but they put the fiberglass insulation on backwards so the vapor barrier is facing the crawl space and no the living side.

i am going to replace that insulation and install it the correct way.

now the angle 45 degree wall from the knee wall to the ceiling is insulated but there are no baffles for venting from the crawl space to above the ceiling.

i am planning on removing the insulation there and installing baffles and new insulation.

exterior walls should have insulation, correct?
i noticed some of mine dont.

does everything i plan on doing here sound right?

any advice is appreciated.
thanks

JR

[Unregistered]

For upgrading the insulation in a cape home, the best way i see with the least amount of problems is to do the kneewall and the attic floor/ 1st floor ceiling area behind the kneewall. No sense heating an area your not going to use. When behind the kneewall, look up into the slope over the living area and verify that the origional insulation is still there and not up against the roof deck. It is usually only about 3 " of insulation in the slope and over the 2nd floor ceiling of the living space. Thats o.k. in that capes with the behind the kneewall and 1st floor ceiling upgrade are usually pretty inexpensive to heat, given the windows are adequate. Make sure if you lift any attic floor decking to install insulation, that you SCREW IT BACK DOWN, DON'T NAIL IT! The jarring may crack the plaster below and give you another job after the insulation upgrade is finished. Many opt to blow in insulation under the attic floor deck. Whichever way you go there, make sure your not creating a fire hazard with whatever wiring/ recessed lights may be present. decked with tongue and groove, You may consider blown in for this area. Good luck.