OK, so I know I need more insulation in attic of my 40 year old house. Its a very tight space , maybe 18″ to crawl through, until you hit some ducts. With luck I can probably reach about 60% of the space. Better than nothing. Currently has a minimal amount of fiberglass insulation rolled out between the 2x. Any recomendations between blowing in cellulose vs. fiberglass in this area on top of what’s already there? Yes, I know not to cover up the soffit vents.
I do have a couple of ceiling cans that are not IC rated, so I know I can’t cover them. Anyone ever just placed an empty drywall bucket over one of these to keep the insulation away from hte heat the light generates?
Many thanks, Carlos
Replies
I think if you price it out having it blown in won't be that much more expensive than DIY. Besides, if you DIY, you will hate it beyond belief in that tight space and a pro can probably do a better job than you since they are used to being in similar tight spaces. Also, it's a 2 person job - one to feed the blower, one to do the blowing. Have cellulose blown in - it makes a much better air barrier, which is what you want as much as more insulation.
Regarding the non IC rated can lights, I'd place a metal 5 gallon bucket over them, since metal won't melt or burn. You still may have problems with heat build up though. The prudent thing to do would be to swap them out for modern can lights - since you have the access.
hire it out, they do it everyday
Definitly blown in! where you can crawl to 60% the nozzle can do it 100%
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks, bu the question remains: any reason to go for cellulose rather than fiberlgass for a blown ni installation.BTW, I can reach 30% of the space, thus my estimate that I can get to 60%
You can find opinions both ways, but I like cellulose better than FG. First, it doesn't itch as much! ;-) (Hey, when you are working in a space with blown-in FG, that becomes a big deal.) Second, I think it is more effective at stopping air flow.
Also, my guess is that if you hire it out, the pros will be able to get pretty much 100% coverage. You'll get a better job for only minimally more than you'd spend on materials and renting a blower. At a minimum, I'd get a bid from a pro and ask them how much coverage they could get you. Then compare that to what it will cost you to do 60% coverage yourself. IMHO, that 40% left undone will seriously compromise any gains you may get by insulating 60%.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
thanks all