Author Topic: House Insulation Advice  (Read 148 times)

Offline republic

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House Insulation Advice
« on: February 03, 2007, 09:46:39 AM »
I'm trying to turn my garage into a game room.  I'm a computer geek, so my handiman skills are somewhat...lacking.

My father-in-law gave me a stack of foam board, about 3 inches thick to insulate between the studs.  After putting up the insulation...I'm now beginning to wonder if that is as good as the standard fiberglass roll.

The foam was free, and was suppost to be easier to work with...but having to cut each piece to fit and then dealing with the foam pieces everywhere...I'm beginning to disagree about the 'easy' part.  :)

So how would you rate the foam blocks in comparison to the roll?  Am I safe to continue the remodel or should I shell out the cash for traditional insulation?

I'm clueless about this sort of thing...
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Offline Dago

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House Insulation Advice
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2007, 09:57:51 AM »
Styrofoam board has an R value of about 5 per inch thickness.  You can compare a 3" sheet to the R value of roll insulation to compare.  For sound insulation I would guess the stryofoam would be better roll fiberglass.

I think the roll is easier to work with for getting into some areas, and to use where wiring is present.

Not an insulation expert myself.
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Offline Captain Virgil Hilts

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House Insulation Advice
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2007, 10:01:56 AM »
You can get fiberglass roll type insulation in higher R values, it usually starts at R-19. If the foam is R-5 per 1", then you have R-15. It depends on where you are as to how R-value much you need. In a moderate climate, less is needed. I like high R-value myself, it eventually pays for itself in energy savings and comfort. My house doesn't have enough insulation, so it stays cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer to keep energy costs within reason. You can bet that won't happen to me again.
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