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R30 or R60 - attic insulation

Posted on 8/9/16 at 6:11 pm
Posted by poops_at_parties
Member since Jan 2016
1545 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 6:11 pm
What R value should I have in southeast Louisiana? I need to add insulation to the attic since the home is 40 years old and hasn't been reinsulated, so the current insulation is settled pretty good. Should I just install it myself or hire a contractor? Install over existing insulation?
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
65533 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 6:15 pm to
60 is always better than 30.

Duh.
Posted by Hangit
The Green Swamp
Member since Aug 2014
39068 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 6:31 pm to
Get blown.
Posted by mdomingue
Lafayette, LA
Member since Nov 2010
30009 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:00 pm to
You might consider the spray foam type. If the house allows, you may even consider spraying the roof rather than the ceiling. the people that I know who have had this done seem to have gotten good results.

On the original question, more is better but the crossover from a cost benefit may not be there for R60.

FWIW, the recommendation for our region is R30 to R60 in an uninsulated attic, so no help there.

www.energystar.gov
Posted by Aristo
Colorado
Member since Jan 2007
13292 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:12 pm to
Also, if you have termite coverage make sure the insulation you use does not void your warranty.
Posted by WPBTiger
Parts Unknown
Member since Nov 2011
30900 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:17 pm to
quote:

Should I just install it myself or hire a contractor?


Self

quote:

Install over existing insulation?


Yes
Posted by Aristo
Colorado
Member since Jan 2007
13292 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:18 pm to
quote:

Install over existing insulation?


Yes


Wouldn't that change the R value?
Posted by doubleb
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2006
35922 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:19 pm to
I have had good luck with installing two layers of R-19 batt insulation.

Do not seal off your attic at the roof line if you have gas operated water heaters or furnaces in your attic. They need combustion air from outside to work safely.
Posted by 4WHLN
Drinking at the Cottage Inn
Member since Mar 2013
7579 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:39 pm to
Installing or adding insulation is easy. Ray Charles could do it. But you might want to consult with an installer about adding more to existing. You don't want to mix and match different types and too much is actually not a good thing. You can actually cook your shingles from holding in to much heat in the summer plus other mechanical issues like trapping in damp or humid air inside the house causing mold over time. I'd consult a professional and get their opinion before you throw a bunch of new insulation in the attic?
Posted by QuietTiger
New Orleans
Member since Dec 2003
26256 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:44 pm to
quote:

doubleb

Remember this.
Posted by Libertariantiger
Member since Nov 2012
981 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:47 pm to
Blown insulation is so cheap. Contractor price on batts is about the same installed as if you buy it off the shelf at Lowes, so get it installed. Same with blown.
Posted by Boston911
Lafayette
Member since Dec 2013
1933 posts
Posted on 8/9/16 at 7:53 pm to
I just blew in some blown fiberglass, like 20 bags worth, easy, easy, easy. 2 person job, one filling the machine, 1 blowing. And made a big difference in how much the AC ran
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