Attic Insulation

Question 1

What is the minimum acceptable clearance between a heat-producing device (HPD) and the surrounding insulation?

Answer 1

3 inches

Question 2

How many inches must the barrier around a heat-producing device (HPD) extend above the top of the loose fill insulation?

Answer 2

4

Question 3

How much clearance must be kept around (a) the back/sides and (b) front of an FAU located in an attic?

Answer 3

(a) 12”

(b) 24”

Question 4

Use at least one insulation ruler for every ___ sq ft of attic space.

Answer 4

250

Question 5

What does NFVA mean?

Answer 5

Net Free Venting Area: the total area of a vent minus mesh screening and louvers

Question 6

What type of recessed light fixture can be buried under insulation?

Answer 6

IC-rated

Question 7

What distinguishes an ICAT from an IC recessed light fixture?

Answer 7

Both are rated for insulation contact; however, ICAT (Insulation Contact Air Tight) fixtures do not require additional air sealing

Question 8

What documentation needs to accompany the installation of a measure not addressed in the Specifications to gain inspector approval?

Answer 8

Product specification sheet (cut sheet) from the manufacturer and photo(s) of installed measure

Question 9

To the nearest inch, what is the minimum level of loose fill (a) cellulose and (b) fiberglass needed to achieve R38?

Answer 9

(a) 11”

(b) 14”

Question 10

List three common presumed asbestos-containing materials (PACM) in attics that should only be removed by a certified abatement specialist.

Answer 10

Transite
Vermiculite
Old duct tape/insulation

Question 11

As a best practice, what can be done to prevent the migration of dust through the attic hatch into the home during the attic insulation process?

Answer 11

Positively pressurize the living space (using a blower door or duct blaster)

Question 12

As a best practice, what material, rated at R7 per inch, could be used to achieve maximum R-value in a confined space such as beneath a furnace platform?

Answer 12

Polyisocyanate rigid board

Question 13

What type of attic insulation should be treated as a presumed asbestos-containing material (PACM)?

Answer 13

Vermiculite

Question 14

As a best practice, what type of fixture should all recessed light fixtures be replaced with to minimize fire risks and simplify the insulation process?

Answer 14

ICAT-rated