Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Rock wool - what is best way to replace?
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01-09-01, 10:06 PM
We are in the process of remodeling our family room and are located in Milwaukee, WI (cold winter climate). Our original house was built in the early 1950's however, the family room and garage were added on in the mid-1960's. We have found 2" thick rock wool in the walls and 3" rock wall in the ceiling/attic floor. There is no insulation currently inside the garage.
I have heard that this rock wool is dangerous to handle. Is this true? We plan to replace with batts of fiberglass insulation however, are confused as to what R-rated insulation we should use (3 walls are exterior walls). The recommended requirements state R-21 insulation for exterior walls however, this would require 6-1/2" to 7" insulation. Our walls have standard 2x4 studs. We would like to use R-19 insulation (6.5" thick) but are concerned about compressing the insulation. Will it lose it's effectivity? Should we use R-13 instead which is only 3-1/2" thick but is nowhere close to meeting recommended R-requirements for our geographical area?
Please help as we have torn down the ceiling tiles and paneling and it's terribly cold in our family room!
Thank you!
I have heard that this rock wool is dangerous to handle. Is this true? We plan to replace with batts of fiberglass insulation however, are confused as to what R-rated insulation we should use (3 walls are exterior walls). The recommended requirements state R-21 insulation for exterior walls however, this would require 6-1/2" to 7" insulation. Our walls have standard 2x4 studs. We would like to use R-19 insulation (6.5" thick) but are concerned about compressing the insulation. Will it lose it's effectivity? Should we use R-13 instead which is only 3-1/2" thick but is nowhere close to meeting recommended R-requirements for our geographical area?
Please help as we have torn down the ceiling tiles and paneling and it's terribly cold in our family room!
Thank you!
lefty
01-09-01, 11:54 PM
Rock wool is an asbestos product. Removal should be left to a properly licensed contractor, and won't be cheap.
If you have 2X4 walls, you are limited to an R-13 insulation. Trying to compress R-19 into the space will leave you with about an R-10 insulating value. Insulation needs its "fluff" to work properly. The only way to meet your R-21 requirements would be to add a second stud inside of your present ones and use an R-25 batt. Since you probably don't want to lose the floor space, stick with the R-13 and call it good enough. The comprimise would be to sister 2X2's onto the studs and go to R-19 batts.
If you have 2X4 walls, you are limited to an R-13 insulation. Trying to compress R-19 into the space will leave you with about an R-10 insulating value. Insulation needs its "fluff" to work properly. The only way to meet your R-21 requirements would be to add a second stud inside of your present ones and use an R-25 batt. Since you probably don't want to lose the floor space, stick with the R-13 and call it good enough. The comprimise would be to sister 2X2's onto the studs and go to R-19 batts.
01-11-01, 05:55 AM
I was sure "rock wool" was the same as mineral wool--which is not an asbestos product and is still used in commercial buildings. Either way I would leave this stuff where it is--these items are only hazardous when disturbed!
lefty
01-11-01, 09:14 AM
The only way to be sure if this "rock wool" contains asbestos or not would be to have it tested. Some of the insulation that was installed in the 50's and 60's contained it, some did not.
As far as meeting the R-19 or R-21 requirements that are in effect for your area, you aren't required to bring your existing structure up to those levels. If you were to add-on to your house, the ADDITION would have to meet the requirements, but not the existing portion. New building codes are adopted every 3 years, but nobody is required to upgrade their house to meet those new codes every 3 years, at least not that I'm aware of. That would be an eternal project and wouldn't leave time for any new construction!
As far as meeting the R-19 or R-21 requirements that are in effect for your area, you aren't required to bring your existing structure up to those levels. If you were to add-on to your house, the ADDITION would have to meet the requirements, but not the existing portion. New building codes are adopted every 3 years, but nobody is required to upgrade their house to meet those new codes every 3 years, at least not that I'm aware of. That would be an eternal project and wouldn't leave time for any new construction!
01-12-01, 06:48 AM
Lefty is right but you are opening a huge can of worms in your home if you test for asbestos or have it removed! If you suspect it leave it! You will release more asbestos in your home by removing it (even if done properly) than you would by just leaving it alone and adding insulation if desired. Believe me I worked for an asbestos abatment Co.--The main reason this stuff is removed from commercial buildings is politics. If it is in an area that it will not be disturbed--leave it--cover it--insulate over it--etc.