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| Any suggestions for efficient and effective but non-toxic and reasonably priced insulation for the area between a brownstone's top floor and the flat roof? I've been researching it and it seems there was some dialogue about cotton batt (recycled denim) a number of years ago, and then there is the question whether wet or dry cellulose is appropriate under a flat roof both in terms of risk of mold and losing its insulating properties if wet cellulose doesn't dry properly before being sealed up, or if dry cellulose gets wet (if that is right) not to mention that it seems cellulose is much pricier than fiberglass insulation. I'd be interested to know what others have done. This is for a 100+ year old brownstone in New York City. |
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| You're asking the wrong question. It's not what insulation to use, but what other measures you need to take to ensure your insulation remains effective without becoming a mould-contaminated health hazard. This requires the proper handling of water vapour and bulk water. There are only two methods that work.
Source: Building Science Corp. "Don't Be Dense", Dr. Joseph Lstiburek Unfortunately, both approaches are more expensive than simply filling the cavity. If the cost to do it right is beyond your budget, leave it alone. The building has done well for more than a century as it is. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Building Science Corp. on Flat Roofs in Cold Climates
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