Attic insualtion & Flooring

[g1footer]

I have been planning on insulating my garage attic and sheeting it to create storage. Other than limiting the access to wiring etc is there any downside to this? I am assuming the insulating benefits will be just the same, or perhaps better?

Oh, this house is located in Central Florida. In the summer it does get quite hot. The attic is fully vented and includes a roof fan on a thermal switch.

 

[ckyle29]

I have been planning on insulating my garage attic and sheeting it to create storage. Other than limiting the access to wiring etc is there any downside to this? I am assuming the insulating benefits will be just the same, or perhaps better?

Oh, this house is located in Central Florida. In the summer it does get quite hot. The attic is fully vented and includes a roof fan on a thermal switch.

You didn't give us much to work with here, which is probably why no one has responded yet. First off, are your trusses even designed for storage? What is the bottom chord dead weight limit of your trusses? Ceiling collapse would be a major downside! Are the insulating benefits the same or better than what? Assuming you are only putting insulation up to the top of the bottom chord and assuming you have 6" chords and then putting sheeting over the top of that to store things on, that's not going to give you much insulation for a ceiling. R-38 for your zone is about 14-16 inches, so you would be woefully under insulated. More details will help us help you better though.

 

[g1footer]

Sorry.

The trusses are find for the load. My question was merely about sheeting in the insulation between the drywall of my garage ceiling and the top of the 2X6 Truss. Perhaps my question is too ridiculous to understand. I surfed in here just looking for some advice.

I want to put a storage are I my garage attic. I do not want to insulate above the trusses. I want to sheet it for storage.

I am wondering if this deteriorates the insulation affect? meaning if the insulation is sandwiched in between the ceiling and sheeting will the R value be diminished?...over if the same insulation was there with NO Sheeting.

This may definitely be a stupid question. Just asking

I am well aware that the more insulation I put up there the better the R value.

I want to store stuff....all that important stuff you are gonna use "One Day"

By the way. My house was built I the early 70's.....there is NO insulation in the garage ceiling right now

 

[St-rider]

Don't compress the insulation under the sheeting. Use 6" thick. Use thicker insulation in areas where it won't be compressed.

Put 6" between all chords and then lay thicker rolls in opposite direction in area not covered in sheeting. This will help closing gaps.

 

[ckyle29]

Yes, you will lose R-value if you compress the insulation, as the air-pockets within the insulation are key to how it works. If you use 6 inches of fiberglass, you can expect an R-value of about R-19, using batts or rolls laid between the trusses. Spray foam or cellulose might get you a bit higher. You are in Zone 2, which is industry-recommended at a minimum of R-30 for the ceiling, so you will be a bit light on insulation. Not a big deal if you aren't planning on conditioning the garage, but will result in higher electric bills if you do.

 

[g1footer]

Thanks!

I plan on getting the attic (not my storage area) blown in with insulation in the future. TECO (our electric provider) offers a rebate to offset the cost.