My drywall ceiling developed a large crack over the last two months (after being fine for 70 years), and investigating my attic I discovered the lower layers of insulation were soggy and the drywall was wet and had a layer of mold. I plan to replace the drywall, and I have a roofer coming soon to look for the source of the water.
The problem is the attic is covered by a vapor barrier, what appears to be about 3 inches of loose fiberglass insulation, and then about another 6 inches of cellulose insulation. This is currently completely covering the knob and tube wires that run along the sides of the joists. I have seen some old questions here and discussions elsewhere that discuss the old code that knob and tube wiring should not be insulated, but my understanding is that new code allows insulation as there is no evidence of insulated knob and tube causing fires.
Even so, I would like to replace the ruined insulation with something new and ideally fire resistant like mineral wool. However, for the ~9sq ft area, I cannot rent a blower to use blown in insulation, and I don't know how I could place batt insulation around the wires. I suppose I could cut a thin strip to go between the wire and the wall, and cut around the knobs.
What is the safest way to replace this insulation, without replacing the entire knob and tube wiring or renting a blower?
