Replies

1. 
   jhausch | Oct 28, 2003 01:42pm | #1

   If the walls are open and you have the cash - http://www.icynene.com/index.asp

   For a little less cash, there is the damp spray-in cellulose (I am not calling it the right thing, but it is where a little water and (I think) starch is added to the blown in cellulose at the gun to get it *just* damp enough to stick in the cavities.

   Steelkilt Lives!
2. 
   fortdh | Oct 28, 2003 02:25pm | #2

   If full access to the walls, you could have closed cell polyurethane sprayed in at R-7 per inch. Its air sealing properties would greatly improve your wall efficiency. An insulation company owner I know recommends 1/2 to 1" layer of foam followed by fiberglass for lowest cost best bang for the buck.

   You could have a foam layer sprayed in and return the R-11 which would be somewhat compressed, since you already own the R-11.

   Suggeat you price closed cell foam (3"), 1/2"foam/new R-15fg, 1"foam/your fg and compare R-val per sq ft cost of each option. The compression will reduce the R-val some of the fg.

   Paul

   Energy Consultant and author of Practical Energy Cost Reduction for the Home
1. 
   andybuildz | Oct 28, 2003 02:36pm | #3

   Paul

        Do you have recommendations for an insulation company that sprays poly on Long Island NY? What do you think the costs should be?

   Thanks,

               Be well

                            andyMy life is my practice!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

1. 
   fortdh | Oct 28, 2003 11:21pm | #4

   Andy,

   Call Millers Insulation at 1-866-767-3626 and ask for Dan Miller.

   His name was given to me by North Carolina Foam Ind., Derek Young.

   They make the foam. As far as pricing, Miller would have to give that to you for that area. PaulEnergy Consultant and author of Practical Energy Cost Reduction for the Home

1. 
   andybuildz | Oct 29, 2003 10:01am | #5

   Thanks Paul.apprecuiate it.My life is my practice!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

1. 
   mitch | Oct 29, 2003 04:43pm | #6

   i'm near asheville and will soon be finishing out about 850sq ft of shop space- walls are currently open 2x4.  i think the foam would also provide better sound insulation for my neighbors (who are not all that close, but i'd like to be nice anyway) would you mind letting me know if you find a good spray foam contractor in the area?  in particular, one who doesn't mind actually returning a phone call?  thanks!

   mitch

2. 
   fortdh | Oct 29, 2003 05:19pm | #8

   Mitch, Call 1-800-346-8229 and ask NCFI who they rec in your area.

   NCFI is in Mt. Airy,NC.

   My neighbor's workshop is pretty noisy on Saturday's, but he never makes noise past 9:00 pm. His walls are plywood with siding, no insulation.

   I think my emergency generator was even louder, until I put a car muffler on it. Now it sounds like a car on low idle at the property line, and barely noticeable at his house line. PaulEnergy Consultant and author of Practical Energy Cost Reduction for the Home

3. 
   CloudHidden | Oct 29, 2003 05:43pm | #9

   mitch, ccr, I know a icynene contractor out of Spartanburg who'll talk to you. I've left him a message, and if he says ok, I'll pass along his contact info. Really nice guy who, from what I can tell, knows his stuff.

   The best option closer to Asheville is Allied Insulation. Don't know if they do icynene, but they do lots of polyurethane foam.

4. 
   fortdh | Oct 29, 2003 10:57pm | #10

   Cloud, I have been impressed with polyurethane foam due to its R-7 /inch. and cured strength.

   Is there an advantage to icynene that I am overlooking?

   PaulEnergy Consultant and author of Practical Energy Cost Reduction for the Home

5. 
   CloudHidden | Oct 30, 2003 12:05am | #11

   There's a discussion of it about halfway down this industry forum: http://www.cpillc.com/forum0061.htm

   I think it's the typical ambiguous thing where there are pros and cons and no clear cut "always do this all the time" answers.

3. 
   jimz | Oct 29, 2003 04:47pm | #7

   Insulating 2x4 walls:

   Just a "warning"... be careful insulating wall (and ceiling) cavities where old knob & tube wiring exists.  K&T wiring needs an air corridor in order to cool itself.  If you're talking romex, "no problema".

   Rookie

4. 
   rasconc | Oct 30, 2003 12:49am | #12

   The "damp" cellulose is cocoon and a great contractor near Asheville is MWB R-Pro (828-651-9696) in Black Mountain.  I am sure it is not quite up to the foam but I would think a lot more affordable.  It has great sound deadening properties.  It flows in to the nooks and crannies and behind elec. boxes.  I did 2x6 walls with it and r-41 in the attic.  They do not wet the attic part but it supposedly binds so it does not settle.

   CCR and Mitch, where are you?  I am in Old Fort.

   
   

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   Edited 10/29/2003 6:02:56 PM ET by RASCONC

1. 
   rebuilder | Oct 30, 2003 01:13am | #13

   I'm in Boone.

   Thanks to all for the help!

1. 
   rasconc | Oct 30, 2003 01:32am | #14

   Must have had a senior moment, I think I asked you this before.  I will probably be going up to Linville Land Harbor this weekend.  Good luck. Bob

1. 
   mitch | Oct 30, 2003 03:04am | #15

   in mills river, sw of a-ville airport

   m

2. 
   rebuilder | Oct 30, 2003 03:33am | #16

   Me too. I was thinking Mitch was the guy with the place in Land Harbor.