Home and Auto Is foam insulation worth the cost? - Page 2

MTG#10 · 05-23-2018, 05:56 PM

I just purchased a new home that is more than double the sq footage of my current. One of the things the inspector noted was my attic insulation was a little under the recommended amount for the location its in. My mortgage is already going to be $300/month more than I'm currently paying and since the house is so much bigger obviously the electric will be a lot higher as well.

I have already gone through the entire house and changed all bulbs to LED. Ive checked all doors and windows and they all have good seals. My next step is to replace the loose insulation in the attic with foam. Or keep it and have the top of the attic sealed with foam, whichever would work best.

Has anyone had this done to an existing home and if so how much did it cost? Was the utility savings noticeable and worth it?

**Iowanian** · 05-23-2018, 08:29 PM

You might look into the solar radiant attIc blanket. I think that's what it's called. Roll that on top of your existing insulation.

BlackHelicopters · 05-24-2018, 08:56 AM

Bodies of dead immigrants work well as insulation when sealed properly.

**ptlyon** · 05-24-2018, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunit35

It had 2” of old insulation in it when we bought it. Unfortunately, we have only been in this house since April 1st so won’t be able to compare previous months.

You can get that information from your electric company. What you won't know however is how they kept their thermostat as a comparison.

**ptlyon** · 05-24-2018, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackHelicopters

Bodies of dead immigrants work well as insulation when sealed properly.

I've owned my house for 20 years and have never been in the attic, and never will, God willing. It was built in 1954.

I've always said there could be treasure chests of gold bouillon up there or dead bodies. I don't want to know.

**Dunit35** · 05-24-2018, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

You can get that information from your electric company. What you won't know however is how they kept their thermostat as a comparison.

The house sat vacant for two years so I’m sure it’s all jacked up.

Installer did say I’d save a few dollars a month but nothing drastic.

**ptlyon** · 05-24-2018, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunit35

The house sat vacant for two years so I’m sure it’s all jacked up.

Sorry missed that part

**srvy** · 05-24-2018, 11:05 AM

My house I bought in 87 was built in 1956. Several seasons of trying to heat and cool the the outside I had foam insulation blown in the walls and corning glass in the attic. I thought it made a huge difference. In 2010 I replaced the original old Coleman furnace that wouldnt die along with a old Bryant central air unit that did. Made even more of a difference as they barely cycle on and off during hottest summer and coldest winters.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 05-24-2018, 11:06 AM

no. Just add more blown in or batt on top of what you have. Even that may not be that cost effective in energy savings, but it will help.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 05-24-2018, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

You might look into the solar radiant attIc blanket. I think that's what it's called. Roll that on top of your existing insulation.

radiant barrier is typically meant to be installed beneath the sheathing ror between the rafters. The idea is to keep the attic space cooler.

**srvy** · 05-24-2018, 11:08 AM

I failed to mention stay on top of caulking window seals and panes and make sure door sweeps are functioning as should. Also caulk storm windows and be sure they are in good condition. You will be surprised how well it works with good insulation.

Molitoth · 05-24-2018, 11:32 AM

Foam is great but expensive. Look into Cellulose insulation in your attic and walls.
I've had cellulose in both of my homes and each job has paid itself off in energy savings within 3 years. If you are building a new home for yourself, or plan on being in a home over 5 years, it is worth the investment.

Bonus: The Sound isolation is also great.

If you are interested in the St. Joseph or KC Northland:
http://brandtsfuelsavers.com/insulation/4710456

BucEyedPea · 05-24-2018, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunit35

I just had 8” of insulation added in our attic last week. 2100sq ft home cost us $1250. It wasn’t spray foam though. It’s some kind of cotton candy type material.

Yummy! Can you eat it too?

BucEyedPea · 05-24-2018, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

Foam is great but expensive.
You want a much more efficient product than shitty Fiberglass? Look into Cellulose insulation in your attic and walls.
I've had cellulose in both of my homes and each job has paid itself off in energy savings within 3 years. If you are building a new home for yourself, or plan on being in a home over 5 years, it is worth the investment.

Bonus: The Sound isolation is also great.

If you are interested in the St. Joseph or KC Northland:
http://brandtsfuelsavers.com/insulation/4710456

I had a Duke Energy audit here in Florida last Fall and they said cellulose is crap. Bigger savings was with foam.

nagami · 05-24-2018, 12:08 PM

subscribed, this seems like a very interesting thread

Molitoth · 05-24-2018, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

I had a Duke Energy audit here in Florida last Fall and they said cellulose is crap. Bigger savings was with foam.

It all depends on budget.

If money is not an issue, spray foam your whole house.

If you want great efficiency without breaking the bank. Cellulose.

If you don't care about your home efficiency, or live in San Diego type weather. Fiberglass it up.

05-23-2018, 05:56 PM
MTG#10 Mammoth penis Join Date: May 2006 Location: Springfield Casino cash: $7534386	Is foam insulation worth the cost? I just purchased a new home that is more than double the sq footage of my current. One of the things the inspector noted was my attic insulation was a little under the recommended amount for the location its in. My mortgage is already going to be $300/month more than I'm currently paying and since the house is so much bigger obviously the electric will be a lot higher as well. I have already gone through the entire house and changed all bulbs to LED. Ive checked all doors and windows and they all have good seals. My next step is to replace the loose insulation in the attic with foam. Or keep it and have the top of the attic sealed with foam, whichever would work best. Has anyone had this done to an existing home and if so how much did it cost? Was the utility savings noticeable and worth it?
Posts: 11,429

05-23-2018, 08:29 PM	#16
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4798454	You might look into the solar radiant attIc blanket. I think that's what it's called. Roll that on top of your existing insulation.
Posts: 61,518

05-24-2018, 08:56 AM	#17
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $2760588	Bodies of dead immigrants work well as insulation when sealed properly. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
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05-24-2018, 11:05 AM	#22
srvy Fight, build, win! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: KC Casino cash: $1721250	My house I bought in 87 was built in 1956. Several seasons of trying to heat and cool the the outside I had foam insulation blown in the walls and corning glass in the attic. I thought it made a huge difference. In 2010 I replaced the original old Coleman furnace that wouldnt die along with a old Bryant central air unit that did. Made even more of a difference as they barely cycle on and off during hottest summer and coldest winters. __________________ "The victim stance is a powerful one. The victim is always morally right, neither responsible nor accountable, and forever entitled to sympathy."
Posts: 24,348

05-24-2018, 11:06 AM	#23
mikeyis4dcats. Scarlett Johansson's boytoy Join Date: Nov 2006 Casino cash: $9555998	no. Just add more blown in or batt on top of what you have. Even that may not be that cost effective in energy savings, but it will help. __________________
Posts: 12,526

05-24-2018, 11:08 AM	#25
srvy Fight, build, win! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: KC Casino cash: $1721250	I failed to mention stay on top of caulking window seals and panes and make sure door sweeps are functioning as should. Also caulk storm windows and be sure they are in good condition. You will be surprised how well it works with good insulation. __________________ "The victim stance is a powerful one. The victim is always morally right, neither responsible nor accountable, and forever entitled to sympathy."
Posts: 24,348

05-24-2018, 11:32 AM	#26
Molitoth Mahomes Fanboi Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $3004969	Foam is great but expensive. Look into Cellulose insulation in your attic and walls. I've had cellulose in both of my homes and each job has paid itself off in energy savings within 3 years. If you are building a new home for yourself, or plan on being in a home over 5 years, it is worth the investment. Bonus: The Sound isolation is also great. If you are interested in the St. Joseph or KC Northland: http://brandtsfuelsavers.com/insulation/4710456 Last edited by Molitoth; 05-24-2018 at 01:30 PM..
Posts: 19,473

05-24-2018, 12:08 PM	#29
nagami Rookie Join Date: May 2018 Casino cash: $10000400	subscribed, this seems like a very interesting thread
Posts: 1