Category Archives: Insullation

What you are experiencing is because the walls themselves need insulated. Foam would surely help but your pluming at that kitchen sink will most likely freeze. The best way to start would be to call Mid American Energy 1-800-545-0562 for what’s called an energy audit. They will help pay for this work to be done. If you really want to take on yourself, check to see if you have wood siding or vinyl siding. Vinyl can be removed easier. Remove the siding and drill a 1 inch hole. Then purchase blow in cellulose from Menards and request there free blower rental with wall attachment. You will need to drill holes about every 16 inches, at approx 7 foot up the siding. This is a two person job. Have one guy feed the blower and one guy blow the cellulose in the pockets.

Here is a helpful video.

www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/m/video/0,,20047052,00.html 

Andy Love

What I would do is look through your access hole and see where the hot air could be getting through. While the class B piping they used for the water heater could be contributing to the problem, I doubt that it’s a whole lot.  Also see if there is missing insulation around the pipe as it penetrates the ceiling. But most of all look at the access hole itself, that little 2×3 area should have insulation on it as well. Another thing to look at is the bathroom vent (if you have one) make sure it’s venting through the roof and not directly into the attic. Heat is escaping somewhere, hope this helps.

Sincerely, Andy Love

I highly recommend Cellulose insulation. Cellulose, is made from recycled newspapers, and is densely packed between studs on new construction homes. Cellulose is made from recycled wood fiber of news print … primarily newspaper. Ever see stacks of newspaper in people’s garage and wonder why they are saving them? They are one of the big reasons we have cellulose. One hundred pounds of cellulose insulation contains 80 to 85 pounds of recycled newsprint. The remainder is made up of Borax and Boric acid, both non-toxic fire retardants and helps with mold resistance. This is a truly “green” product in my opinion, I don’t know if it is recognized by LEED. The demand for this must stay up or recycling itself could go to the curbside. I had breakfast with Dewey from Dewco Insulation the other day, and he does nothing but blown in Cellulose. After talking with him, it sounds like demand is up, right now. If you choose cellulose insulation you help solve the waste disposal problem and help fight air pollution. Not to mention it’s cheaper than fiberglass. This may help your community hold down taxes or refuse disposal charges. It certainly contributes to a cleaner environment.

Hold the phone! Before you get the work done, have Mid America evaluate your home for energy efficiency. Based on your situation you can receive up to 70% rebate back. So, say your estimate for insulation comes back at $1,000, Mid America will rebate back $700. I am in the process of having my home done, and they are currently scheduling for October. Call 1-800-545-0762 for Mid Americas evaluation, and call Gary Mascho with Mascho’s Insulation, to give you a bid on your house. Very nice guy and very reasonably priced. Thanks, great question, Andy Love Ask the Expert