Insulation questio

[cw_racefan]

Getting ready to insulate, and am trying to decide what to use in the ceiling. I'm in MD, and will probably only keep it above freezing in the winter, and just heat it up when I'm out there. Will be using R-13 in the walls (2x4), and debating what to use ceiling wise. R-19, 25, 30? With my plan to not keep it heated or AC'd all the time, wasn't sure the r-30 was worth the $$.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
Craig

 

[boiler7904]

Getting ready to insulate, and am trying to decide what to use in the ceiling. I'm in MD, and will probably only keep it above freezing in the winter, and just heat it up when I'm out there. Will be using R-13 in the walls (2x4), and debating what to use ceiling wise. R-19, 25, 30? With my plan to not keep it heated or AC'd all the time, wasn't sure the r-30 was worth the $$.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
Craig

What's the cost difference between r-25 and r-30? Your labor will be the same either way. Why not just spend afew extra bucks on better material? There is a tax credit program for energy efficient home improvements - insulation is a qualifying purchase. Your area might also have a code requirement for insulation.

 

[OldCarGuy]

For heating or cooling, it is more important to insulate the ceiling than the walls because more energy transmission is transferred there than the walls. Being a wise investment, I would recommend going with R30 in the rafters.

 

[mleichtle]

I'd go R30. If you havent bought a heater yet, you could probably save more money there. The energy savings will pay for the extra in no time.

 

[cw_racefan]

Ok, so you guys have confirmed what I was thinking. R-30 it is. The $60 or so for 88 sq ft was just sort of sticker shock at first and had me wondering.

 

[tp-otus]

i just had a insulation company blow in R-38 in our 500 sq.. ft garage that is attached to our house. Lowes around our area wanted around 50 dollars for 88 sq. ft. not sure about the price any more. I needed about 5 bag's which came to around 250 dollars plus tax. The insulation company charge us 330 dollars to do the job, not sure if it was the best way to go but, for me to be crawling around up in the attic I thought that was my best option. Maybe you could call around and see what the going rate is for a insulation company to do that for you. It could cost you less or maybe more but, it could be a option to check out. Good luck

 

[BowtieNut]

I blew in fiberglass in mine myself. I got the blower for free for 8 hours from the Menard's where I got the insulation. I've never done it before, but it was actually very easy. Took maybe 3 hours max to do the whole 28x48 ceiling. It was actually MUCH easier than doing the insulation batts that I have done before, and not nearly as messy as I thought it would be. All I wore was regular clothes and a dust mask, and I wasn't itchy afterwards at all. I would definitely do it again before batts.