Skylight Window Well Insulation

[Hillyard]

Hello everyone,

I have two skylight window wells that are sweating. I assume it's because of the poor insulating jobs the installers did way before I purchased the home (see attached picture).

Current setup as follows:
There isn't any insulation between the vertical joists
The previous installers just wrapped the wells with some kind fiberglass loose bat and put a terrible plastic vapor barrier on top of it that is starting to fail.

My idea on fixing it:-
- R-36 unfaced in between the vertical joists
- Then wrap and staple a Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation around it

What are your thoughts on correctly insulating window wells?

 

[blazentrout]

Let me ask a couple of questions,
1. what type of room are they in?
2. Are these the only area your having sweating issues at?
3. how are the sky light constructed?
4. is it the glass or the walls them selves?

I have a sky light in my bathroom that has the same issue after someone takes a bath or shower and ive come to the conclusion its just the way its going to be do temp difference of the glass vs the air. it normally goes away in an hour or so. mine has R13 batts in between the 2x4's and blown in celulose up to vent channels under the roof(approx 30" deep) around the skylight well.

 

[kbs2244]

I would try out your ideas.
But realize a lot of the problem is a lack of air movment.
If your ideas don't work I would think about on of thos small, solar powered, fans.

 

[Boomer343]

Since you have great access I'd suggest getting a spray foam company to come in and give you an estimate. I'd also ask them about any other areas the they might suggest doing at the same time.

If you don't have a good vapor barrier on the warm side up against the drywall you need to get that looked after if you don't spray foam.

 

[Slimmeh]

It shouldn't have any poly on the outside of the insulation only on the warm side of the wall skylights should also be framed out with 2x6 if using any type of fiberglass insulation. I would also mak3 sure the seal on the window hasn't let go yet as well

 

[Slimmeh]

That sure looks like a half *** job. When I did insulation for a living my boss would have killed me if I did a job like that