Insulate second floor

[dgreenfishing]

I'm building a detached 24x32. It has a bonus room above. Can I get away with r 13 on floor of the bonus room since I'm hearing and cooling both levels? I live in North Alabama

 

[Milton Shaw]

Insulation between floors would be for noise since both are heated and a/c. R13 or sound insulation would be good. Garage on bottom, bonus room on top, if you have kids up there, then noise coming from them could be a problem too. Course you might want to hear them to keep them from tearing it up too bad.

 

[CombatNinja]

The insulation is not going to do anything as long as you are heating and cooling both spaces at all times to within a few degrees of each other. If you want it for noise abatement, here is my experience: spray foam > blown in > fiberglass batts > rigid foam . Decide how much noise abatement matters and how much you are willing to spend to get it.

 

[matt_i]

R13 is a 2x4 = 3-1/2" of insulation...agreed you don't need it if you are going to condition both levels but I wouldn't expect much dampening. Go with Roxul which has a high density/high mass for the dampening effect.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

If it is going to be finished room above where a guest might stay, or if its a room to hang out and watch tv. Like a movie room, then yeah insulation is a good thing. Rooms above garages are almost always cold due to the overhead garage door below. Even if the OH door is insulated, they still leak a good bit.