Cellulose Insulation in a Portsmouth, VA Attic

Challenge

This home previously had a roof leak that damaged the insulation in the attic. The homeowner contacted us after the roof repairs had been finished to clean out the old insulation and replace it.

The attic didn’t have much insulation, to begin with, it had been allowing heat in summer months, to radiate down into the home and make rooms uncomfortable. The existing insulation had been acting as a filter for conditioned air escaping the living space into the unconditioned attic and was dirty.

After talking to the homeowners about their goals for this project, we found they did want to make the home more comfortable and improve on the batt insulation that was currently in the attic.

Solution

After reviewing all the options for reinsulating the attics the homeowners chose to first have us remove all of the existing, damaged insulation. Next, we would air seal the attic to stop conditioned air from leaking out. Air sealing foam would be applied over top plates, utility penetrations, and any fixture housing. Then, we would install PVs (proper vents) these vents allow for airflow through the soffit vent for the roof without allowing blown-in insulation to fall out and air to create drifts in the insulation. A dam was built around the existing storage platform and HVAC equipment to prevent cellulose from spilling over into the space. Finally, we blew in a fresh blanket of R-38 cellulose insulation. The cellulose product used by The Drying Co. is 85% recycled materials such as newspaper, and 15% new material. It also contains a borate that helps to deter pests.

Properly air sealing and insulating the attic has improved on the previous conditions and will have long term benefits for the homeowners. Stopping escaping conditioned air by air sealing and decreasing radiant heat into the rooms below the attic will make the home more comfortable and reduce the energy bills.