Cellulose Insulation in a White Stone, VA Attic
Challenge
A homeowner reached out to us because they wanted to improve the insulation in their attic to make their White Stone, VA home more comfortable. The attic currently had fiberglass batts on the ceiling with a couple of spots where batts were missing. The Fiberglass insulation had been there since the home was constructed, with no air sealing. There was also ductwork in the attic that was being subjected to the extreme temperatures of the space.
The homeowner’s discomfort of uneven temperatures and being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter as a result of conditioned air loss to the attic and conductive and radiant heat into the living space. In the winter, the cold air in the attic was cooling down the ceiling because the existing fiberglass wasn’t offering a high enough R-value to prevent the temperature transfer. As warm conditioned air rose through the house it met the ceiling which cooled the warm air causing it to fall. This made the rooms feel cold and drafty. The reverse happened in the summer, the ceiling was hot from sweltering attic temperatures, and that heat radiated into the rooms below.
Solution
To prevent heat from radiating down into the home, and conditioned air from escaping into the unconditioned attic, we air sealed and insulated the attic space. First, we removed all the old fiberglass insulation. Then we air sealed all the top plates, wire, plumbing, and utility penetrations, and around bath fan housing. Next, we installed a dam around the scuttle access to prevent insulation from falling out when opened or on top of the access. We insulated the back of the scuttle access so there was not a hole in the system, to prevent heat transfer through the door. Finally, we installed a fresh blanket of blown-in cellulose insulation. Cellulose is 85% recycled materials such as newspaper, and 15% new material. It even contains a borate that helps to deter pests. Cellulose is also fire retardant, so in the case of a fire, the material will smolder, but not ignite.
After completing the project, the homeowners will experience more even temperatures throughout their home, lower energy bills, and increased comfort.
