Replies

1. 
   paulwaterloo1 | Apr 17, 2007 02:59am | #1

   I live in Chicago and just did a gut rehab on my bathroom, I just filled the 2x4 wall cavity studs with bat insulation.....amazing that it is really warm in there, and I took out the radiator....still have to hook up the radiant floor heating.

   I live in a Bungalow that was not originally insulated....the studs go down about 36" below floor level until they reach the foundation....I inserted the insulation all the way down and ran it up to the ceiling.

   You will find if you have a window, that's where you need to focus on....I went from a glass block window to a brand new super high quality awning window and did a great job installing it with all sorts of stuff....probably cost me $100 for darn materials to frame and install it.

   That's what made the HUGE difference in the room, is no leakage in the window. During the recent cold spell, it was super comfortable in the room and the wall is as warm as the room.

    

1. 
   bigbossman | Apr 17, 2007 06:14am | #4

   Thanks for the imput since I need to get it done. What type and R factor bat insulation did you use? Sounds like you made your bathroom toasty and I could use the same effect.

   Did you do the whole remodel yourself or did you hire out any of the work? I may have to hire out for the install of the new tub since I cant do it alone but I am going to try to do as much as I can myself.

    

1. 
   paulwaterloo1 | Apr 17, 2007 07:07pm | #5

   I did almost everything mysef except plumbing, drywall and the shower door.

   Here is the link:

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=88727.1

   I just used R-13 rolls that I bought at Home Depot.

2. 
   BillBrennen | Apr 17, 2007 06:05am | #2

   Rigid foams have higher r-values per inch than batt insulation. I cut the foam pieces 1/2" undersized and foam them tight at the perimeter with can foam. This also stops air leaks, a major source of coldness in many homes.

   Bill

3. 
   JoeArchitect | Apr 17, 2007 06:10am | #3

   The higher the R value, the better heat retention. What is the depth of the wall cavity (wood stud depth) and ceiling cavity (joist or rafter depth) which you have? Manufacturers of insulation are all probably equal in their respective type of insulation (batts, rigid, spray). But how well you fill the little areas that stop infiltration of cold drafts around windows and doors, behind outlets, cannot be overemphasized.

4. 
   Piffin | Apr 17, 2007 08:21pm | #6

   There are two issues, one is R-value which is highest in the foams and lowest with the FG batts

   Infiltration is the second issue which afgain is best with the foams if properly installed and worst with the batts.

   The only advantage FG batts has is the ease of installation. Ot6her than that, it is the worst choice you can make.

   Sprayed in place foam is the best. You can DIY in a small area with a google for Fomofoam or Tiger foam

    

    

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5. 
   ruination | Apr 18, 2007 02:06am | #7

   BBM - another reason for what Piffin said about FG is that the colder it gets the less it insulates.  The R-value actually drops when you need it more.  Plus harder to get the cavity well filled front to back and no gaps side to side.  Both these are critical for its comparative lack of performance to other forms of insulation such as foam or blown cellulose.  - r