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isherwood
isherwood
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It's an incorrect knee-jerk assumption that insulation above the joists is inherently wrong.It's an incorrect assumption that insulation above the joists is inherently wrong. Many commercial buildings, for example, have large gaps between the finished ceiling and the insulation envelope. In your case it was probably done that way to take the lower R-value wood out of the system. An insulation envelope amounts to the average R-value over all the area. Wall studs and ceiling joists are detrimental. 

If it was done well (no open cavities at the outside of the area) it's just fine. If there are openings where the insulation ends, that's a problem that should be addressed. R-13 (for 2x4 joists) or R-19 (for 2x6 joists) fit between joists at the perimeter would do nicely.

This situation is similar to many others. It's most likely a matter of balancing airflow by adjusting output vents. It's most likely a matter of balancing airflow by adjusting output vents. I would start there. Partially close those closest to the furnace and in rooms that are warmest. Verify that new supply vents aren't closed or blocked with furniture. See if you can get things to balance. You

Then, compare energy consumption from before the addition. Is the increase reasonable for periods of similar weather? You could also have someone do an infrared assessment of the attic to check for heat loss. Only then do you really know whether you have an insulation problem.

It's an incorrect knee-jerk assumption that insulation above the joists is inherently wrong. Many commercial buildings, for example, have large gaps between the finished ceiling and the insulation envelope. In your case it was probably done that way to take the lower R-value wood out of the system. An insulation envelope amounts to the average R-value over all the area. Wall studs and ceiling joists are detrimental. If it was done well (no open cavities at the outside of the area) it's just fine.

This situation is similar to many others. It's most likely a matter of balancing airflow by adjusting output vents. I would start there. Partially close those closest to the furnace and in rooms that are warmest. Verify that new supply vents aren't closed or blocked with furniture. See if you can get things to balance. You could also have someone do an infrared assessment of the attic to check for heat loss. Only then do you really know whether you have an insulation problem.

It's an incorrect assumption that insulation above the joists is inherently wrong. Many commercial buildings, for example, have large gaps between the finished ceiling and the insulation envelope. In your case it was probably done that way to take the lower R-value wood out of the system. An insulation envelope amounts to the average R-value over all the area. Wall studs and ceiling joists are detrimental. 

If it was done well (no open cavities at the outside of the area) it's just fine. If there are openings where the insulation ends, that's a problem that should be addressed. R-13 (for 2x4 joists) or R-19 (for 2x6 joists) fit between joists at the perimeter would do nicely.

This situation is similar to many others. It's most likely a matter of balancing airflow by adjusting output vents. I would start there. Partially close those closest to the furnace and in rooms that are warmest. Verify that new supply vents aren't closed or blocked with furniture. See if you can get things to balance.

Then, compare energy consumption from before the addition. Is the increase reasonable for periods of similar weather? You could also have someone do an infrared assessment of the attic to check for heat loss. Only then do you really know whether you have an insulation problem.

Source Link
isherwood
isherwood
  • 148.7k
  • 8
  • 179
  • 439

It's an incorrect knee-jerk assumption that insulation above the joists is inherently wrong. Many commercial buildings, for example, have large gaps between the finished ceiling and the insulation envelope. In your case it was probably done that way to take the lower R-value wood out of the system. An insulation envelope amounts to the average R-value over all the area. Wall studs and ceiling joists are detrimental. If it was done well (no open cavities at the outside of the area) it's just fine.

This situation is similar to many others. It's most likely a matter of balancing airflow by adjusting output vents. I would start there. Partially close those closest to the furnace and in rooms that are warmest. Verify that new supply vents aren't closed or blocked with furniture. See if you can get things to balance. You could also have someone do an infrared assessment of the attic to check for heat loss. Only then do you really know whether you have an insulation problem.