This week readers “Ask the Guru” about insulating a small cavity at wall top, adding a dwelling unit above a small garage, and a reader searching for sliding hanger doors.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: I’m confused about the area above the top wood header (circled in red). If I have a ceiling installed already and I’m insulating the walls after the fact, do I need to insulate this small cavity? I figured that with the ceiling and also the eave ventilation it was not necessary. I was simply going to go up to the top wood header for the walls. Thanks TONY in BROCKPORT
DEAR TONY: Any ‘open’ space below your ceiling line should be completely filled with insulation, as should area above wall up to within one inch of either roof plane or any framing possibly impeding clear air flow.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Can you do 24×24 garage with 2nd story apartment as an additional dwelling unit? BILL in MERIDIAN
DEAR BILL: Yes, this can be done. You will want to reach out to your local Planning Department to ensure this is an allowable use in your zone. Typically, you will want to have exterior stairs. This minimizes fire separation challenges and does not lose interior space on both levels to stairs.
DEAR POLE BARN GURU: Hello, I found this website from a Google search about sliding hangar doors. Surprisingly, there isn’t a lot of information on this subject readily available from modern search results, but someone on this website posted an article on the topic in 2013. I am currently revitalizing an old industrial building and would like to add some 16’x16′ bypass doors across the front face of the structure. I was wondering if you supply any of the door hardware for this type of project or if you could recommend a vendor. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! LEE in LEXINGTON
DEAR LEE: Thank you for reaching out. We provide sliding doors up to 12′ in height only with an investment into one of our complete building packages, as they are too prone to damage otherwise. You might try contacting Plyco www.plyco.com, Cannonball www.cnbhnp.com or MWI Components www.mwicomponents.com as they should be able to provide you with contact information for dealers near you.
