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| I have been looking at Roxul unfaced mineral wool insulation but just recently discovered another brand, Thermafiber, that does offer a silver faced product. The R values are the same and I was wondering which is the better type to use. It's going into the attic joist spaces where there is no insulation. Does the reflective facing really offer any more heat retaining/reflecting value? Which is the better choice Thanks |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| The facing serves as a vapour barrier. So, in a heating climate, you install it face down. However, faced batts may be unnecessary or counterproductive depending on: 1) what vapour control layers are already in place in the ceiling and 2) your climate zone. You haven't posted your Zone, so open the link below for the recommendatons for your zone. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Vapor Control Layer Recommendations
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- Posted by Renovator8 (My Page) on Tue, Oct 16, 12 at 19:05
| Why are you interested in mineral wool for insulation? |
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| Foil faced insulations are a greater benefit in areas where sound reflection is needed. |
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- Posted by energy_rater_la (My Page) on Sun, Oct 21, 12 at 19:55
| Does the reflective facing really offer any more heat retaining/reflecting value? no. I used fiberglass batts in my attic. all before adding insulation, air sealing attic floor if your ductwork is in it is much much easier to work in attic prior to where are you located? for further reading on vapor barriers here http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/54110 /You-Don-t-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier-Probably best of luck. |
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- Posted by Renovator8 (My Page) on Mon, Oct 22, 12 at 13:32
| Sound energy would not be affected by a thin layer of aluminum foil but a sheet of lead is very effective against lower frequencies if it is hung lose in the wall cavity. |
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- Posted by chipster_2007 (My Page) on Tue, Oct 23, 12 at 13:53
| Thanks for all your responses. I think I am going to choose mineral wool for the following reasons:1 there are floor boards that do not fit tightly together, so the thought of blowing in cellulose into these spaces concerns me. It would be very dusty up there and the area is used to store old memories. Second, air sealing is so important, if I have to remove the boards to air seal, I might as well put down a product with the best R value I can find that will not compress over time losing its efficiency. Also I would never consider fiberglass for those reasons as well as the fact that it is soooo itchy to handle!!! The one thing I do not like is the weight of the packaged product. I am trying to think of the easiest way to get it up 3 flights of stairs to the attic. Any good ideas? |
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- Posted by columbusguy1 (My Page) on Tue, Oct 23, 12 at 17:43
| What about a rope and pulley system to hoist it up to the window? |
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| The one time I personally installed Roxul rock wool I found it much more itchy and irritating than fg. (Not everyone has the same reaction.) The bundles are heavier than fg and don't compress. As well, it's not easy to cut; contractors regularly use table saws or specialized equipment. I'd strongly suggest you work with a bundle before ordering any more. If you find it's not for you, it's not wasted money. Just put in what you have and finish the rest in another insulation. |
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- Posted by energy_rater_la (My Page) on Thu, Oct 25, 12 at 19:37
| assembly line. line all your buds up from truck to attic and pass bundles (or batts) along into attic. I had to haul batts through my if you have a window the pulley & rope best of luck. |
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