Insulating Ranch attics in Central Ohio
Heya – long time reader first time poster here at BT.
I just finished read Andy’s article in the newest FHB, very good stuff. Have been to the Building Sciences site but wanted to get thoughts here as well.
I have a 1948 pre-fab ranch. The attic insulation is next to non existent. Was up there replacing wiring and dug through MAYBE 4 inches of old and “pebbled” yellow FB with no noticeable vapor barrier or retarder. The walls were 2×3 panels and the ceiling joists and roof is all 2×4’s. 🙁
The two gables are the only current attic venting and the house has been added onto a couple of times. The original structure was about 925 sqft, current structure is just under 2,000 sqft It’s a pretty looong house 🙂 . Forced air heat, gas. New Al. clad wood windows helped but still plenty chilly.
My plan today is to remove all of the old loose FB and replace all attic insul. with rigid foam fixed in place with expanding foam.
My questions are: what is the right foam to use? How much is too much? I’d like to reinstall the 5/4 decking strips I put up there for easier future work – but if that’s done, how best do I do this if the rigid foam is deeper than the joists?
Edited 1/25/2005 3:20 pm ET by Buckeye Bill
Replies
buck..
what is FB ?
and why do you need foam ?
this sounds like all you need to do is seal the attic penetrations.. and blow a cap of cellulose in and you're done
FB should be FG, type-o.
I considered cellulose (would be considerably easier) but have seen discussions here on vented attics not being as effective because of the air movement over the FG and cellulose, moisture related discussions, etc.. thought rigid foam may be the best of all worlds, also the most work. I'm planning on tacking this myself... if possible.
Edited 1/26/2005 1:11 pm ET by Buckeye Bill