Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Add attic insulation?
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Brewbeer
12-04-02, 01:25 PM
Hi all,
I've got about 6 inches of insulation (either fiberglass or rockwool, I'm not sure) in the attic of my house (late 1950s era ranch, 24 ft. x 40 ft.), with an additional 3 1/2 inches over the two bedrooms. After last night's particularly cold weather (got down to 8 degrees), and listenting to my wife say "I'm cold" about 25 times, I think I need to add more insulation.
A DOE website recommends R49 for attic insulation for my zone (Mass.) Other sources indicate that fiberglass insulation has an R-value of 3 per inch. To get R49 with fiberglass I would need a total thickness of about 16 inches.
Should I just go ahead an put more unfaced fiberglass bats to get to 16 inches? Should I hire someone to blow-in more insulation? If I go with faberglass bats, what brand(s) are recommended and why?
The attic is a scuttle (about 4 or 5 feet above the rafters at the peak) with fairly good access from a hatch just inside the main door.
Thankx for everyone's input.
I've got about 6 inches of insulation (either fiberglass or rockwool, I'm not sure) in the attic of my house (late 1950s era ranch, 24 ft. x 40 ft.), with an additional 3 1/2 inches over the two bedrooms. After last night's particularly cold weather (got down to 8 degrees), and listenting to my wife say "I'm cold" about 25 times, I think I need to add more insulation.
A DOE website recommends R49 for attic insulation for my zone (Mass.) Other sources indicate that fiberglass insulation has an R-value of 3 per inch. To get R49 with fiberglass I would need a total thickness of about 16 inches.
Should I just go ahead an put more unfaced fiberglass bats to get to 16 inches? Should I hire someone to blow-in more insulation? If I go with faberglass bats, what brand(s) are recommended and why?
The attic is a scuttle (about 4 or 5 feet above the rafters at the peak) with fairly good access from a hatch just inside the main door.
Thankx for everyone's input.
wingnut2
12-06-02, 12:57 PM
I would just get some rolls/batts of unfaced FG and lay them out perpendicular to the existing layer of insulation. Carful not to block/cover recessed lighting fixtures or soffit vents.
Home Depot has a deal on Certaintied FG. For each $100.00 spent on FG insulation, get back a $20.00 Home Depot gift card.
Good Deal.
Home Depot has a deal on Certaintied FG. For each $100.00 spent on FG insulation, get back a $20.00 Home Depot gift card.
Good Deal.