Some folks use fiberglass batts then cover the wall studs with foil backed foamboard before drywall. Taping the seams with foiltape completes the vaporbarrier so you cover an extra insulation value along with the vaporbarrier.
Half of good living is staying out of bad situations, the other half gets so complex I don’t deal with it.
I never had a problem with character, people have been telling me I was one ever since I was a kid.
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
when we were using fiberglass.. all we would use was the r-15, unfaced....... with a 6 mil. poly vapor / air retarder stapled over..
the r-15 is a much tighter batt.. especially if you get the "Friction -fit"..... the normal r-13 with kraft or foil facing is real close to useless.. of the 2 , i'd absolutely use the r-15 friction fit unfaced batt..
of course, nowadays i wouldn't use either.. i'd blow dens-pak cellulose instead
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Look around for a better price. I just did a house with R-15. Since it is special order most places, it is expensive. I got a national insulating co to install it for me for almost the same price I could buy it for. They keep it in stock.
OK, fill me in here. Unless there is a new product on the market Im unaware of, R11 batt insulation fits todays 2 x 4 (1 5/8" x 3 5/8") studs. R13 batt insulation is designed for older framing of actual 2 x 4 studs. What is R15 batt insulation and which size lumber is it designed for. Thanks in advance.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
they're all designed to fit in a 2x4 wall... the r-13 sucks... and the r-11 is below sucking.. the only one that comes close to filling the bay is the r-15
but... ah , you no ...Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
As Mike Smith said, they all fit the 3-1/2" space. The R-15 is much denser then either the R-11 or R-13. R-11 is not even considered insulation anymore. It does not meet minimum code. It is classified as good for soundproofing, although I question that. R-15 is required in this area (SC)to qualify for the power company's good sense rate. As soon as the building supply yards start carrying R-15, the price will drop.
How about the R-19 in 2x6 walls - does it fit well in your opinion?
Yes! R-19 fits snuggly in a 2x6 bay. If you want extra space for air, they make R-19C. This is a denser version of the R-19 that is made for cathedral ceilings.
no.. in my opinion... R-19 does not fit well or snugly in a stud bay..especially if it's faced..
if it's a friction fit batt, yes, but still not in the same league as Dens-pak celluloseMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore