Replace attic insulation
A Insulation project by Nate Westheimer$5,000
Project Budget
Researching
Project Status
Project Summary
Our 1970s townhome still has the original fiberglass ~R13 batted attic insulation. Over time, the quality of this insulation has deteriorated and with canned lighting there are many places where air is easily passing through from and to the living space and attic. I plan on replacing the canned lighting with flush-mounted LED ceiling lighting and then updating the insulation with R30+ wool rock batting.
Submit a tip or any advice
Submit AdviceNate Westheimer hasn't started this project yet, so if you have a tip for them or any advice please consider sharing it.
FAQs & Tips
Ask a QuestionFAQ: Why do you want Rockwool batting instead of foam or blown insulation?
A: There are two parts to this answer: 1) Why do I want Rockwool and 2) Why don't I want foam and blown insulation. I am attracted to Rockwool for several reasons: 1) I like that is made from natural basalt rock materials. This material is less environmentally harmful in its production and is less likely to off-gas something that we don't like or find out later to be harmful to our health into our living spaces (bedrooms are of course below the attic) 2) Batting, in general, is something I can install and repair myself. Meanwhile, I have two concerns with foam: 1) is the off-gasing of the material, and 2) is the difficulty of home repair once the foam has adhered to everything around it. As far as blown insulation goes, I have had a bad experience with all of that material flying around in the attic. If rodents get into the attic they can easily create hidden nests and that material can also leave the home, polluting the surrounding areas.
