Project: I need to add insulation to my attic. I live a few miles outside Rochester, NY. Most of the attic has only 4 inches of cellulose insulation, and some parts have less than one!
Obstacle: The metal flue and hot water pipes for our baseboard heat go through the attic in an area that has essentially no insulation at all. In the attic I can see bare ceiling drywall over most of the laundry room/utility closet. Before I insulate this area, I have two issues that need addressing:
- I need something to keep the insulation away from the metal flue - and simultaneously prevent cellulose from falling into the utility closet.
- I need a way to completely air seal the utility closet from the attic space.
My question: Can I build a plywood box around the flue, all the way up to the roof deck, and then seal the edges with foam? The box would be slightly wider than the hole in the drywall. Would this be a safe and acceptable solution for my two issues?