Roofer Has Questions

MEL

I am a roof replacement contractor and I am planning on offering blown in insulation as an add-on to roofing jobs.

I have a few questions and I wondering if you can help me.

• 1.What do you use to hold insulation away from recessed lights?
• 2.What do you use to hold insulation away from flue pipes and chimneys?
• 3.What do you use to hold insulation back around the attic access opening?
• 4.Do you install baffles to allow airflow from the soffit between each truss?

Thanks for your help

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MEL

joasis

Most new construction can lights are IC, or insulation compatible. The rest of what you are asking is done with blocking. Some builders use OSB, ply, or whatever to create dams if needed. If the flue is up to code, it needs nothing anyway. There are soffit blocks and baffles to keep it out of vents. An insulation supply company can set you up with this stuff.

So what kind of blower are you planning on buying? My son does this as his sideline business, and runs an Insulmaxx 4000.

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Just a Roofer

When i bought my house i did the roof & blown in at the same time which was easier since i had a lot of decking off. I would suggest some kind of small homeade wooden rake/sweeper to be able to move the stuff around since it's hard to crawl around at the eaves.

Just letting you know that you'll look like frosty the snowman when your done & may feel like you need one of these...

Grumpy

Cardboard is fine to use for blicking, although I prefer something more substantial around the roof hatch to keeo the insulation from falling inside when you open the hatch.

Since I am not a new construciton guy I have to assume the builder went cheap when he put in his canned lights, therefore I always block them. Better be safe than sorry.

jjaayy

what about his venting question?

parts

How about hiring someone who does it already or maybe I should start doing roofs

Denny Lyman

insul sheild is what you an use on can lights and b-vents. ic rated cans are fine to cover but insulation will create so much heat the lights will burn out quicker and make them flicker.
the baffle question is a loaded question depeands on if it contuinse soffit or if you have to vent for ice damming or how meany vents. Codes will better explain the baffle and vent situation.

MEL

You guys are in for some competition from roofers so get used to it.

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MEL

parts

That doesn't mean I have to make it easy. If you make money doing the roof why step on toes of those who make money doing the insulation. When I worked for a big company they did it all none of it well. Stick with what you are good at and everyone will profit.

MEL

A good roofing contractor should be doing an attic inspection and improving the ventilation.

Since we are already on the job it would be easy to blow in some insulation.

It’s a great way to increase the profit from a job.

You can get all kinds of information about roofing from this site or its affiliate RoofingTalk.com.

Be my guest to learn as much about roofing as you want. You and I will never be competitors and even if we were there are already thousands of competitors out there, so what difference does it make.

Why not expand your horizon?

You’re not going to be able to stop roofers from taking market share away from insulation guys. We are better sales people and we add value by making sure the attic is properly ventilated and the insulation is properly installed.

From what I have seen most insulation contractors are hacks. The leave the home in worse condition than what is was before they touched it.

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MEL

parts

That's because most people think there is nothing to it hire a bunch of laborers and pay them next to nothing. There is a lot more to it than most people think especially doing right

fitzsm

hi to all steve all. All- Star insulation and roofing inc st louis mo

consolidatedbui

do not use cardboard or wood around lighting... they sell styrofoam or like can sheilds.... the duct should only be done with metal....even b vent pipe...

2x6 or osb plywood for the attic scuttle......