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General Category => Discover Seattle! => Topic started by: P.C. on Sep 22 07 03:05

Title: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: P.C. on Sep 22 07 03:05
I'm wondering if there is anybody who can give me some information on what the rule is for finishing the 'triangular attic' space that runs the length of the low side of an A-frame house.  I can't seem to find anything on google....because I'm certain I'm not asking the right question.

  I have a vague recollection from way back....that someone told me you couldn't 'finish' this space because it would cause condensation problems.  (but I wasn't paying attention back then)  

  NOW, I want to do put in some storage shelving etc....but it's creepy in there with the insulation exposed and it gets VERY cob-webby.  So I'd like to finish and paint in there....but ????????

  Anybody know anything about this ?
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: Lise on Sep 22 07 03:27
Uhm... you've lost me on the A frame. Sorry I can't help but good luck on your project there. Would you like me to ask the crowd at DATW?
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: Sportsdude on Sep 22 07 03:28
I wish I knew more about a frame houses.  
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: Lise on Sep 22 07 03:31
I know how to FRAME a picture of a house? Does that help? (//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/9.gif)
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: P.C. on Sep 22 07 04:02
I know how to FRAME a picture of a house? Does that help?  

    Lol Lise.  Ummm...no.  (//vny!://discoverseattle.net/forums/richedit/smileys/10.gif)But if I need some assistance when I'm framing a picture.....at least I'll know who to ask.
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: TehBorken on Sep 22 07 05:27
Look here:

[a href="vny!://www.ehow.com/how_2077868_prevent-attic-condensation.html"]vny!://www.ehow.com/how_2077868_prevent-attic-condensation.html[/a]
[a href="vny!://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?p=1101101"]vny!://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?p=1101101[/a]
[a href="vny!://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=251423"]vny!://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=251423[/a]

and here:
[a href="vny!://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29248"]vny!://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29248[/a]
[a href="vny!://www.waybuilder.net/sweethaven/BldgConst/Building01/default.asp?iNum=1203"]vny!://www.waybuilder.net/sweethaven/BldgConst/Building01/default.asp?iNum=1203[/a]
[a href="vny!://www.bpa.gov/energy/n/energy_Tips/weatherization/InsulateWalls.cfm"]vny!://www.bpa.gov/energy/n/energy_Tips/weatherization/InsulateWalls.cfm[/a]
[a href="vny!://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Home-Building/1987-01-01/A-Decision-Makers-Guide-To-Attic-Remodeling.aspx"]vny!://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Home-Building/1987-01-01/A-Decision-Makers-Guide-To-Attic-Remodeling.aspx[/a]

Hope these help!
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: P.C. on Sep 22 07 05:53
Thank you so much TehBorken.  

  I knew I shouldn't have used the word 'attic'.  It's not really the attic.  (this is why I'm having such difficulty finding info.....I don't even know how to refer to this space.)  All though all the links you posted were really informative.....none dealt with the space I described so poorly.

  This house isn't really the same shape as mine.....but close enough to describe the space I'm referring to.  Imagine an interior wall just a little left of the window/balcony running the length of the house (front to back)......(that triangular space above where it says JP Grafiks).  That's the place I'm trying to deal with.  The pitch of my roof is steeper, so there is only standing room just inside the wall.  

  [img id=Picture65 height=276 alt="A Frame Lodge ©Jane Phillpot - Xara Xone Featured Artist" src="vny!://www.xaraxone.com/FeaturedArt/jp/assets/images/a_frame_lodge.jpg" width=591 border=0]  
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: Sportsdude on Sep 22 07 06:50
that house is sweet looking.  
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: 49er on Sep 22 07 07:50
If your roof rafters are now exposed and you are planning to sheetrock in a ceiling, you will need to vantilate between the rafters.........vent holes to the outside under eaves with wire netting.

  Your city's building permit department will have details
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: P.C. on Sep 22 07 09:44
 If your roof rafters are now exposed and you are planning to sheetrock in a ceiling, you will need to vantilate between the rafters.........vent holes to the outside under eaves with wire netting.



Your city's building permit department will have details.

  No building inspections are required in our area.  No building permits, etc.  

  I understand the 'laws if ventilation'...legally and functionally.  I could be way off base, and remember the conversation differently than what it was.....but I understood there were different principles involved in this area of an A-frame.  I may have misinterpreted the whole conversation entirely...but for some reason, this 'info' has stuck with me.[/DIV]
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on Sep 23 07 05:05
PC you sound like one of my customers!!

As you know i am an expert with building issues as well as everything else.

Just go ahead with your diy project and stuff the authorities. If they don't do building inspections i wouldn't worry about it. You are not altering or extending the structure.

  When i move into my new dogs i'm gonna get an outdoor spa and huge bbq built and i'm not gonna tell the council. If they come snooping around i'll threaten to dump 6 tonnes of asbestos on the steps to the lord mayors office but i guess you would take a different approach!
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: P.C. on Sep 23 07 05:31
 As you know i am an expert with building issues as well as everything else.

Just go ahead with your diy project and stuff the authorities. If they don't do building inspections i wouldn't worry about it. You are not altering or extending the structure.

  Actually, I didn't know you were an expert with building issues.  I'm not worried at all about the authorities.....I'm worried about creating a problem with condensation.  [/DIV]
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on Sep 23 07 05:39
Well i am an expert infact there isn't anything i don't know.

Instal exhaust fans.

Just remember to do the wiring properly or you'll burn the joint down. Get building insurance before doing any illegal stuff. There is no need to call in a licensed electrician as you can google all the stuff you need from the net or if you can't be bothered just have a go at it yourself. You should be able to work it all out as you go along and just think of hubbies surprise when you have told him what you have done!
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: P.C. on Sep 23 07 05:44
 So you haven't heard of any 'special' circumstances around finishing this area in a house.  I wonder why that sticks in my head, that you shouldn't.  Hubby does all the electrical work around here.  The only thing I know about electricity is simple stuff, like changing a light fixture or outlets and switches.[/DIV]
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: Sportsdude on Sep 23 07 05:47
zap zap zap *screams*

that's me and electricity. lol
 
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on Sep 23 07 05:55
Heres how you do it.

Connect the red wire to the red wire. This is tricky as it can kill you so turn the switch board off. If you can't get the fuses out hit them with a hammer. This can be dangerous so do it quickly.

The black wire connects with the black wire. This is negative.

The green wire is for something else i'm not sure what so either ignore it or connect it to another wire. Any colour will do this isn't a fashion contest.

  This should get all your circuits going. Don't worry about expensive insulating tape you probably won't need it. The odd spark here or there is not to be worried about infact it proves that the wiring is installed mostly correctly. Douse liberally with buckets of water. Don't worry about water going on the ceiling. The ceiling probally won't collapse that day but if it does just remind hubby of all the money you have saved up to that point.  
Title: Re: Building Dilemma....help?
Post by: P.C. on Sep 23 07 06:04
 rofl....WOW....you really ARE an expert.  [img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="vny!://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c008.gif" border=0]