Replies

1. 
   Clewless1 | Oct 29, 2010 10:14am | #1

   It's a batt type insulation. Sounds like made from plastics? Says it won't settle. Sounds great. Same R-values as fiberglass batts (e.g. R-13 for 3.5 inch and 21 for 5.5 inch. Easier to work with it says, but I suspect you still cut it the same way. The mfg says you slice the 'facer' with a knife and tear by hand ... hmmm ...

   GREAT option to the itching and in my case the coughing when you install the stuff!! Maybe I'll try to get some locally. My guess is the cost is a bit higher ... I'm sure it meets fire ratings ... wonder how it compares to fiberglass.

1. 
   DanH | Oct 29, 2010 06:42pm | #2

   Of course, there have been various "itch free" fiberglass options around for awhile.  Some where the FG is coated with a plastic like substance, and others where the batts are made into blankets.

1. 
   Clewless1 | Oct 30, 2010 08:42am | #3

   But we all knew that, right Dan? I think I'll try this new product in my garage insulation project coming up. I guess you can get it through HD and there is a rebate right now, so between the rebate and the tax credit, I should have some warmth at minimal cost and try a new product. I HATE installing FG!!! I cough and itch and ... My house project I hired it out. My cost for the materials alone was what it cost me to contract it out ... That was a no brainer for me!!

2. 
   Clewless1 | Nov 02, 2010 09:07am | #4

   Well, I thought I'd try it ... looked it up. Said I could order through HD ... so we did ... and true to form ... they screwed up a special order 'cause they didn't know what they were doing.

1. 
   Clewless1 | Jan 14, 2011 09:00am | #5

   Has Anyone Installed This Stuff?

   Well, I got the insulation. Nice stuff. HOWEVER ... installing it in traditional batt insulation fashion seems challenging. You can't cut it w/ a utility knife. The mfg 'official' instructions are to tear it by hand. That is somewhat doable, but it doesn't give you the clean install that I'm used to. I can't imagine a contractor trying to install this stuff and do a good job. I'm used to cutting e.g. +1/4" length/width and around every obstruction, wire, pipe, box, etc. 'Course the mfg video shows a super clean wall w/ little if anything in it (e.g. narrow stud bays, swich/outlet boxes, etc.).

   I thought I might be missing something ... besides the obvious (my mind).    HAS ANYONE WORKED WITH THIS MUCH?

1. 
   DanH | Jan 14, 2011 09:18am | #6

   Have you tried setting a board (and knee) across it to compress it before using the utility knife?

1. 
   Clewless1 | Jan 14, 2011 07:34pm | #7

   I started w/ the standard e.g. framing square smashed well across it and the knife blade firmly against it. Amazing ... doesn't want to cut. I cut a kerf in a thin piece of plywood to create a double sided cutting guide. A LITTLE success, but still not very good at all. I'm thinking something like a large broad knife of sorts to cut it w/out slicing ... like a metal shear might cut a piece of sheet metal.

   It seems to me that for a product to be used by e.g. contractors, there better be a good way to cut and install it in a clean fashion. And right now, this stuff simply 'isn't cutting it'.

1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Jan 20, 2011 08:16pm | #8

   Try using the biggest pair of scissors you can find - might work better.

2. 
   DanH | Jan 20, 2011 08:52pm | #9

   Maybe a chain saw ...

3. 
   Clewless1 | Jan 20, 2011 09:37pm | #10

   Perfect ... for a spot on how NOT to do things or ... the really stupid things people do. Can see that batt getting instantly snagged by the first tooth of the chainsaw and jerking it back into a massive wad instantly compressed to rock hard back where the chain goes back into the motor    l.....    UUUUGGGGLLLY!!!

4. 
   DanH | Jan 20, 2011 09:50pm | #11

   Be sure to wear a hockey mask to protect your face from the flying pieces.

5. 
   [email protected] | Jan 21, 2011 06:39pm | #12

   Electric Carving knife?

   You might try an electric carving knife.  I use one for foam, and it works better than anything else I've found.  They cast under $20 so it might be worth the cost for a try. 

   If it doesn't work you can give it to SWMBO. 

6. 
   DanH | Jan 21, 2011 06:59pm | #13

   Just in time for Valentines.