|
| I have a big box store come to give me an estimate for insulation. They tell me after measuring that they don't remove the old insulation (which I want) they don't install batt (which I want) nor do they insulate into the area of the attic where my vaulted ceiling is. Wouldn't I need insulation there? There would be nothing but air between my ceiling in the living area and my roof? Note: the insulation area would be for the flat portions in the attic, approx 1200sf or half of the home sf. They will seal the lights and around the bath vents and also make sure there is proper venting in the eaves etc
House was built with rock roof and we put new roof that lasted only 15 years, hence recent new roof 2 yrs ago. The attic has a heavy duty aluminum radiant barrier most of which is coming down due to debris from old roofing jobs. I had NO IDEA (dumb me) what this was for and neither did the guy that came to give the estimate. So he said I should pull all of them out before they would start blowing in the insulation. After MUCH searching online I find out this radiant barrier was installed to prevent most of the heat coming into the attic. I live in So Cal and my house faces north-south, south being exactly where the vaulted portion and no insulation is. To the roofers credit, he did suggest and we did install 3 dormer vents but at this point I am not sure if they have helped. We already have gable vents on each side. The garage opens directly into the attic and has a dropped ceiling with new insulation and an auto fan in the gable vent there. Garage is cooler in summer and warmer in winter than rest of the house. Of course, this is DH's domain, LOL. So now I am left with wondering what to do next. I don't want blown in insulation. I get conflicting information about removing old insulation and now I feel like I need to replace all the radiant barrier to keep my house cool in the summer. I don't want auto gable fans or turbines due to noise, it will drive me nuts. I am mostly venting now in this last paragraph, because no matter what I do to research contractors ie. BBB, friends etc, no one seems to take pride in what they do or have concern for the job once the money is in their hand. I am afraid to hire anyone anymore for anything. I could just sit here and cry I am so frustrated. I know home ownership comes with maintenance but I feel like I am spinning my wheels on things that should not have to be done over in such a short period of time. Even my HVAC guy installed my furnace & AC improperly and I just find out after 6 years. Sigh........ |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by energy_rater_la (My Page) on Sun, Mar 25, 12 at 15:40
| the only way to install batts over batts is if the second layer were unfaced. you don't install two vapor barriers in the same building assembly. can't push batts into cathedral ceiling, if cathedral follows roof line. (is this ceiling vaulted into attic insulation shouldn't be in contact with radiant barrier fix radiant barrier, air seal between living and attic space then blow over batts. call insulation companies, get several bids. best of luck. |
|
- Posted by GreenDesigns (My Page) on Sun, Mar 25, 12 at 15:54
| It will be really difficult to install insulation above a vaulted area, even blown in. Your best bet would be to turn the attic into an unvented one and use foam over the vault and to create a seal and insulate on the roofline, not the floor/ceiling plane. It won't be the cheapest choice, but it will make the home much more comfortable and energy efficient. |
|
- Posted by millworkman (millwork4u@gmail.com) on Wed, Mar 28, 12 at 10:00
| take both energy and Greens advice but definitely call an insulation company. Never call a box store for installation of things like building materials as you already see what happens. Also even though you say you have gable vents if your roof is shot after 15 yrs you may have a ventilation issue which a insulation company can also help with. |
|
| Thanks for all the help guys. We had the big box store come out on a whim just to get an idea of the cost and sq ft that would be needed in case we decided to add insulation ourselves. We were NOT wanting to have them put new insulation on top of the old since is was full of dirt and debris regardless if it were blown in or batt. We have unfaced insulation on the attic floor, not sure what the vertical install on the outside walls are. We are taking the good advice given and will be looking into getting a reputable insulation company come to give an estimate soon. The gable vents were put in after the 15yr old roof failed so we are a little more optimistic that this recent roofing job will last longer than the last one. |
|
| "vertical install on the outside walls are. " If these are the attic walls, they do not need any insulation. |
|
- Posted by energy_rater_la (My Page) on Tue, Apr 3, 12 at 15:20
| I smile every time I read the title cause it is a small rant. usually the rants are longer than the actual problem. I am curious about the insulation in if the former..exterior walls..you don't sorry its so confusing..but houses best of luck. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Home Repair Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.