Today, I finally insulated the skylight tunnels, something that should have been done in June 2003 when the roof was re-shingled and the skylights removed. I nailed up some 1×2′s around the openings, added some insulation and stapled up some vapor barrier. I wanted to get more accomplished today, but I only worked at it for a couple of hours. Much of my time was spent tracking down various tools that were spread between the basement and the second floor projects in progress. Tomorrow, I will be putting up some framework to support the new light fixtures and suspended ceiling.
The view from the sofa
View from the sofa.
This picture was taken from a seated position on the sofa. You can see a strip of unpainted wood where there was a molding detail That is where the wall angle for the suspended ceiling will be installed, so the ceiling in this area will still be recessed a bit for character. The black stuff around the vapour barrier is acoustic sealant, which should keep the cavity air tight. At this point, unless I run into some difficulties, I plan to leave the existing fluorescent fixture in place, only because it would be a messy and awkward to remove. I should be able to install the two new fixtures on either side of it without too much trouble.
Lots of warped 2x4s
Last winter I bought a bunch of 2×4′s and some OSB with the intention of building some closets downstairs. I never did build the closets and the lumber has been sitting in the unused front hallway for a year now. I am hoping to salvage enough of the 2×4′s for the framework, though most appear to be severely warped, cupped or twisted. I hate the thought of having to buy more supplies for this project.
Next….
Thursday I’ll be doing the wiring and the framework for the lights. Tomorrow night at least we should have functioning lights in the family room. If things go smoothly, I may even get the grid and some of the ceiling panels up. I’m still hoping to wrap everything up by Friday, so that I can get back to work on the upstairs bedrooms.
