2 x 4 Ext. garage walls. Which R-Factor?
Syma
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
Hi All,
North Carolina location. I’m a bit confused on which type of insulation to use.
I looked at some Owens Corning Pink Plus rolls that were R-13, and I looked at some Owens Corning Pro Pink Batts that were R-13. But I heard that I should use R-19 minimum. Is R-19 possible in a 2×4 wall?
This garage will be turned into a heated workshop so I really need to button it up good.
Thanks so much for your input.
Replies
If you must use fiber glass. R13 will fit 2x4 and R19 will fit 2x6 walls. Use some cans of foam to close all the gaps up before you insulate. Don't just insulate the walls and ceiling, Do the doors and floor. Go to pepboys and get the grey floor mats that hook together. Real nice underfoot!
Heat source can be many things. Radiant heat is the best. I started using 4 oil filled point of use electric heaters because I have no fresh air intake. Any type of "burning flame" will need outside air to feed it or CO will be the result.
I used fan heat before and the room would cool very quickly compared with the oil filled. I spread them around to cut down on air currants.
You have these floating around your shop?http://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/soft_bush_and_cane_fruits/fruit_bushes/red_currant_rondom/l/red_currant_rondom.jpgAre they tasty?
I prefer the black ones!! so much for spelling!!
syma.. i hate fiberglass .. we use all cellulose..
but i did use FG for about 20 years
in the end my favorite for 2x4 was R-15 , infaced, friction fit
with a 6mil poly vapor barrier
the friction fit does a much better job of eliminating gaps than the kraft faced
you can get friction fit at insulation jobbers or better lumber yards
Hi Mike,
So are you saying use unfaced R-15 in a 2x4 wall, then staple 3mil or so plastic sheeting over the studs?Isn't R-15 made for 2x6 walls? If I did use R-15 in a 2x4 wall wouldn't compressing it that much ruin it's properties?Thanks a ton for all your help.Bye
here's a description from the Owens Corning site:
<<<
View ImageR-15
Application(s)Finished atticExterior walls
Length:
93"
Width:
15"
Thickness:
3 1/2"
Sq. ft.:
67.8
Product options:
UnfacedKraft faced>>>
in the unfaced variety, it's also called "friction-fit"
it's made for a 2x4 wall , of high density batts...... it's the only FG we used in 2x4 construction... now all we use is celluloseMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Thanks Mike,
Is cellulose what you use now because of cost, less itch, easier to use, or better R factor?
Syma,
How long do you believe you will live there?
short time, stuff some R13 batts in there and pay higher energy costs.
Long time, have an insulating contractor come and spray foam. It will be more expensive but pay off in time.. Since I don't know how many heating degree days you have It's hard for me to tell you potential energy savings.. But you save not only on heating costs but also on cooling costs.
PS fiberglas insulation is pretty poor stuff. It doesn't do a good job in the real world of coming up to it's R value.. Mike's right, celluliose is better, a lot better performing than fiberglas.
I'll be glad to explain why..