Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Cape Cod upstairs bedroom dilemma.

The 2nd floor bedrooms DO NOT have insulation in the 2 sloped walls (roof line). I have access to one side as there are storage areas on one side of each bedroom. The other side does not have an accessible storage area.

I was told that NOT having insulation in these walls was not the end of the world as the radiant heat in the summer with insulation would be worse than the current non insulated state. I can understand that argument, but what could I expect in the dead of a NY winter without insulation in these walls?

I figured that the accessible wall could be taken care of with blow in insulation? Does the machine have enough pressure to blow upwards?

The inaccessible wall could be taken care of with spray foam with minimal sheetrock damage? I've read and heard the spray foam doesn't have air flow issues?

Please help me out as I'm losing my mind and my wife is about to kill me with all the research I've been doing. My little daughter has to sleep up there.

THANKS.

If you rent a cellulose blower, it should have enough pressure to blow upwards. Our machine has plenty of power since we have to pressure pack walls to ensure of no settling. You can also cellulose the walls where you want to foam by making a 3"(or so) hole for the hose to fit in. You will probably need a smaller diameter hose in order to get a bend inside the wall. The problem I see with foam is that you can't tell if the foam is spread everywhere. With cellulose, it will replace the air space with cellulose and the air will be forced out the hole(or other holes).

And I wouldn't be surprised if your house stays cooler in the summer with more insulation, not hotter. The insulation will help keep the cool night time air(assuming windows are open) in your house longer during the day(with the windows shut).

If you want to get it done quick, just hire someone. You can probably also get a discount if you volunteer to drill all the holes instead(just make sure they are aware you are going to do it so they can show you where to make them). It will also ensure that its done properly.

Thanks for the reply.

Will the cellulose insulation remain tightly packed and not fall into the area behind the inaccessible wall? I can remedy that situation on the accessible side by putting up some type of barrier to keep it there.

I'm not sure how the walls and space are arranged but as long as it won't fall down something then you should be all set. If its gonna fall into something, then yes put up blockers. If its a opening at the top(and you don't plan to blow it through there) then you should put up blockers just to keep it in while you are blowing.