Replies

1. 
   DanH | Sep 16, 2007 05:23pm | #1

   Any pourable insulation will work fine, though cellulose is better for blocking air infiltration than chopped FG. I would guess there may also be something like a styrofoam bead insulation available, but it would probably be expensive and less effective than the cellulose at blocking air.

   If the new insulation compresses the existing FG slightly that's not a problem.

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2. 
   Piffin | Sep 16, 2007 05:32pm | #2

   What sort do you have in mind? Vermiculite is not all that great and it sometimes has asbestos contained.

   if you are thinking cellulose or chopped FG, I don't think of that as pour-able. It is the process of going through the hopper and fan in the machine to blow it in that fluffs it to ideal lofting consistancy. Also, if the job is large enough, you can hire it done as cheap as you can do it your self

    

    

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1. 
   DanH | Sep 16, 2007 05:39pm | #4

   If you pour out cellulose and then work it with a rake, it spreads pretty well and will fill the cracks pretty well (though not as well as blown).
   If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

1. 
   DanH | Sep 16, 2007 05:40pm | #5

   (Do wear a dust mask. The stuff is relatively innocuous, but it's still a lung irritant in large quantities (and you WILL inhale large quantities if you're working with it).
   If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

2. 
   Piffin | Sep 16, 2007 05:51pm | #6

   probably so, but I hate that cellulose dust so much I will never try it myself. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

3. 
   Erich60 | Sep 16, 2007 05:59pm | #7

   DanH - thank you for taking the time to reply to my question.  I like your answer and it makes sense.  I am going to do what you suggested. 

   One follow up question:  is celluose OK in a humid climate.  I live in South Carolina where the summers are humid.   Erich60

1. 
   DanH | Sep 16, 2007 09:43pm | #8

   So long as your roof doesn't leak. And even then, cellulose handles itself pretty well.(Well, actually, if you keep the house refrigerator-cold there's a chance of condensation inside any insulation without an exterior vapor barrier, but probably less so with cellulose than with fiberglass. And the stuff is treated with a borate compound that lets it stand getting wet occasionally without rotting or mildewing.)
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3. 
   shelternerd | Sep 16, 2007 05:34pm | #3

   Go with the cellulose, it'll create a skin over the top of the batts that will inhibit "air washing."

   a gap ratio of 5% in FG batts reduces the R-value by 50%. Pouring the Cellulose over the top even two inches with boost the R-value way out of proportion to the cost and effort.

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