Polka Dots

Time for a quick entry from Don. I spent yesterday checking our upstairs for existing insulation, to help decide what upgrades to do. I had previously made some test holes behind trim molding at the floor, but needed to check the rest of the walls and sloping ceilings. I ended up drilling a number of 3/4-in diameter holes in enough places to convince myself of the presence (or lack of) insulation. Our upstairs now is polka dotted! The picture doesn't do a very good job of showing it, but you get the idea. This is our bedroom west dormer, but I did all the walls and sloping ceilings upstairs. By the way, that is one of the new vinyl windows.

FWIW, the 3/4-in test hole decision was based on the size of wine corks (to plug the test holes for final spackling). Only the better quality wines have corks that are up to this task (darn--guess we better sip that wine!). Also, we purchased an LCD inspection camera (3 foot flexible probe) from Harbor Freight for about $100, which was used to see behind some of the walls, to help in the analysis (also good for DIY colonoscopies?) We did find everything from no insulation to a variety of blown-in insulation to rock wool batts, to fiberglass batts. The resolution is that about half of the various insulated wall / sloping ceiling areas are OK, and we will open the walls and add or replace insulation for the balance. This also allows for some basic electrical upgrades (mainly grounding everything, and also adding wiring for a couple of portable air conditioners).

We will add insulation on top of the existing ceiling insulation, and will do that right away (before it gets hot). I have to vacate my closet to do that, as the access hatch is there, and is a tight squeeze. Wheeee...what fun!