I am short on funds and am trying to insulate my home as inexpensively as possible. Can I insulate my attic with newspapers, then liberally sprinkle baking soda over the papers to act as a flame retardant? If yes, how thick should the newspapers be for best results? A neighbor suggested putting the newspapers down and then stapling plastic sheeting over the papers to act as a moisture barrier. I doubt his knowledge on the subject. Can someone enlighten me?
2006-11-26 08:00:47 · 6 answers · asked by north79004487 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
if you ever have a fire in your kitchen - regardless of the cause - tossing baking soda on it will extinguish it - instantly.
2006-11-26 08:25:37 · update #1
NO, they will not insulate very well; AND they are a fire hazard, with or without the baking soda. They USED to use "shredded" newsprint treated with a fire retardant as a "blown in" insulation. ALSO, do NOT put plastic sheeting OVER the insulation, as this will "trap" moisture in the insulation. If used, "moisture barriers" are placed on the "inside" (between the room and the insulation).
You don't state your age or income. MANY areas have government programs to help seniors and/or low income people insulate their homes.
My suggestion, if you have it done professionally, is blown in insulation.
If you do it yourself, I suggest fiberglass "batts" WITHOUT BACKING, laid between the ceiling joists with a second layer the other direction.
There is not much you can do with outside walls once they are built except a type of foam which SHOULD be professionally installed.
I note that MOST newer homes, (less than 40 years old), already have insulation in the walls and SHOULD also have some in the ceiling (attic)areas.
2006-11-26 12:56:49 · answer #1 · answered by f100_supersabre 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
baking soda as a flame retardant? never heard of that.
Insulation works by trapping warm air inside of it - so newspapers work if you shedd them and put them in your attic loosely. I would very leary of this because of the fire danger. The plastic should be on the warm side of the insulation so plastic over the insulation defeats the purpose. I don't know where you live, but some of the utilities offer grants for winterization to lower your heating bills, as well as some local governments. If you rent, ask your landlord about providing this as well.
the best attic insulation is a blown in celluous product - 10" thick .
2006-11-26 16:08:49 · answer #2 · answered by cvorse_04 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check any fiberglass sheets and you dont see plastic on them...as a barrier. Yes newspapers would possibly work but you would need like 6-8 inches across your entire attic
2006-11-26 19:39:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
news papers are a bad idea...the paper has a lot of acid in it, deteriorates quickly under the best of conditions, but as you plan on using it, it will become a brittle mess in no time. AND it will attract bugs and vermin for nesting. And, it is an extreme fire hazzard.
Good luck
2006-11-26 22:29:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
newspaper and plastic will trap moisture from the heat of the cieling, it could cause condensation and mold.
2006-11-26 19:14:51 · answer #5 · answered by dngrrngr62 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That doesn't sound too good to me. I'd save your money and let a pro do it. Or save your money and get the rolls and do it yourself. R-30 is good.
2006-11-26 16:08:28 · answer #6 · answered by Bestie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋