Insulateing a Home

Rifeman

I would like to know if one can insulate a home that is already insulated? Why I ask this question is the builder that biult my home back in 1973 used the lessed R factor that he could possible used and charge you what should have been put into the home. What I am talking about is the walls.

I am planning to resided my home in the next year, and throught that would be the best time to do it. I have put new windows and doors in my home already. And I have put 2 layers of R-25 in the attic.

I would like to have your comments on how I can save energy and make my home more energy effect.

redline

How thick are the walls?
Have you had someone use a thermal imaging camera to evaluate the insulation of your house?

Rifeman

I have a 2" X 4" wall

The answer to your answer to the Thermal Imageing Camera is NO
I belive that it is a very good system but I don't anyone around here that does this.

Sammy

If you have 2x4 walls the most that could have been put in is R13 which would be 3 1/2" thick. Anything thicker in the same wall space would not benefit. Compressing insulation results in reduced R value which is why its important to "fluff' insulation after its unbaled to allow it to return to its full thickness. Check around some electrical oulets to see how full the wall cavity is. If there is no inuslation you can get pump in insulation installed.

Dont forget your ductwork if its running thru an attic or crawlspace thats unheated. Especially the floor/ceiling registers if you have forced air heat. Pull a few grilles and look for the tape job to see if its up to par.

Try calling your local eleactric company and see if they can recommend an energy audit company that will review your home for energy efficiency.

mjdonovan

There are a number of other insulation types that you could use to augment the insulation that you already have in your home.

You could consider adding blown-in fiberglass insulation, sprayed polyurethane foam insulation, rigid insulation or even a reflective insulation system.

Mark

AtlanticWBConst.

You mentioned that you were planning on re-siding your home. Are you going to use vinyl siding? If so, consider installing rigid foam sheathing board (on the exterior).... to bring up the wall's R-Value.

Read this:

http://www.danielinsulation.com/rigid-board.htm


and this:


http://www.owenscorning.com/around/i...opinkrigid.asp

__________________
- Build Well -

Rifeman

I did use OWEN CORNING Fan Fold on the exterior wall. Thanks for your help.

Big Bob

Fan Fold might help with air penetration and/or leakage, the R-1 or R 1.5 for 3/8" thick will not help a lot.

Is the siding something you are planning to DIY? If not your contractor can show you options to add insulation at exterior walls.

PS I hope the 2 layers of R-25 you added in the attic was unfaced.

Rifeman

You bet it was OWENS CORNING UN FACED R-25.

GOOD QUESTION HERE: Since I up 2 layers of R-25 up there does it make it R-50 or does it stay the same?

Big Bob

R-50 + R-value of what you covered.