Super Insulation:
My adventures in Extreme Insulation
I determined how much insulation to add based on cost, it was about $500 for each 10 inch layer, and $500 for the walkway foam. The first layer, the first winter, the oil bill was cut $500. Which inspired me to keep going, $500 or so at a time.
If you are doing it yourself, the costs are low and you're likely to find anything reasonable you do will payback in a few years.
Now what's reasonable, well, like peanut butter, not so much it sticks to the roof (of your mouth), but enough so you can really enjoy it, and not the bread it's stuck on.......
Click here for more on how much insulation might be right for you.
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Links to:
Summary
Before
Eaves
Baffles
Air Sealing
After
Photo Blog:
Super Insulation Work Underway:
Rube Goldbergs' s exisiting attic Super Insulation / Deep Energy Retrofit.
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Phase 1: Two layers 2 inch foam 2 feet wide as walkway to work from, allow inspection and work without crushing insulation in years to come. Cover with old celotex to keep insulation unharmed.
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Phase 2: Layer of Tyvek, accept no substitute, really, is it worth the risk? Over the entire attic floor, over the 12 inches of existing insulation. This will stop air movement up from below, via wind pressure and stack effect, the main mover of moisture. Moisture should not condense on it (as a cold condensing surface), since 22 inches of insulation will be installed over it, keeping it on the 'warm side'.
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Phase 3: Retro - fitting the air / vapor barrier: RAM batt insulation, rated for vapor barrier (it's a theory), between all rafters, at eaves, over exterior wall. Yes, this will block air flow up from the eaves, such is life. It's this or what? Recall, I'm tapped out, can't hire someone to blow in insulation or rip everything out, apply spray poly U over top of ceiling. Now take sheet of 1 inch foam, cut to size between roof rafters, spray foam around edges, and RAM down ontop of that matted batt insulation, push up against nails to lock in place (leave air gap between panel and roof sheathing. Not done, now, foam up fold of Tyvek, lay against foam sheeting, RAMish batt insulation under to hold against bottom of foam. Ta Da, air vapor barrier sealed from ext. wall to ext wall.
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Phase 4: Two layers 11 inch R22 batt insulation, unfaced, and rated for vapor barrier (as I said, it's a theory). Lay seams off center. Yeah, there might be some compacting, but I prefer two layers with off center joints to retard air flow.
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Phase 5: Loose laid plastic tarp to protect insulation from odd leak.
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Phase 6: Decon. mold then use fan fold foundation foam over bottom of rafters, foil side up, to retard summer heat, protect from nails, channel heat up to peak for venting, keep roof cooler in winter, cutting back melting snow and ice damming.
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Phase 7: Install new end gable vents as high up as possible.
Emotional benefit? Related work? What does that mean? not only super insulates, but provides a permanent built in gutter with a low cost solar powered de-icer, and, it provides an elaboratly detailed cornice line to the roof. What is the payback, 20 yrs. Will you care ever day when you come home and look up at your wonderful cornice, or in the winter no longer wonder if the 10 foot ice dam is going to rip off your roofing, or crush your car, probably not.
you are going to be ripping off the inside or outside of your building, slather on insulation, and put up whole new inside or outside wall surfaces. It will be the biggest change in the building since it was built.
If this is a happy and exciting idea, just check to see if you are getting even a 20 yr payback, as you'll feel even happier and excited knowing your nice new building is going to pay for itself. If it's going to take 30 yrs, then I'd have to ask myself, really, I could cut costs $10,000 and take a dream vacation, and be almost as happy and excited over my new building.
Insulating for Your Old House
Deep Energy Retrofit
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