What type - R-value to use for insulation?

Question

I need to insulate under my porch , this open area makes my kitchen and basement very cold as the temps. drop here in Iowa. I am totally ignorant about insulating and what to purchase for insulation. Through instructions would be very appriciated.

Answer 1

It depends on the height of the beams under your porch if there 2by4s you just need about 3 1/2 inche thick r-19 if there larger pieces of lumber you need enough insulation to get from the floor to the bottom of the joist. Get a staple gun and staple the paper on the insulation to the floor joists. If the area underneath your porch is open to the outside(not a crawlspace) then you will need to staple a vapor barrier(6 mil plastic or tyvek house wrap will work) to the joists after you install the insulation because you dont want any of it to get wet.

Answer 2

You would have to compress several batts of insulation for it to do any good. Otherwise the difference is barely noticeable. When you compress insulation you decrease the overall value, but heavily increase the amount per inch. Compressing insulation doesn't give you any gain in overall resistance until you have pressed several batts together. At which time the springy effect of the insulation can heavily absorb vibrations in the surrounding boards. Oh, and fiberglass insulation is best at reducing high level sounds. The bass doesn't go through the batts, it travels through the hardest material it can find and is best stopped using multiple layers of different material rather than one thick layer. Have an insulation company do a wet install of cellulose insulation. That has much better results than fiberglass batt for sound control. Sound deadening drywall is better than any other solution, but cost prohibitive. One sheet will block the same as 8 sheets of drywall, and it costs the same as 8 sheets of drywall. QuietRock is the best known brand.

Answer 3

This is what you need to do. Measure the depth of the cavity. Measure the square footage that needs to be insulated. Buy the insulation at your choice of retailers, however, do not use any type of insulation that has paper, foil, or any visqueen. I obviously can't see this situation, but you may want to call a local contractor for some free advice. good luck.

Answer 4

R-19, I suggest heating and sound insulation for approximately 6" thick- WE had a 3" cavity that sealed up with sheets of R-19 quite nicely, and actually helped the sound as well as the heat issues. Good luck in Iowa!!

Answer 5

R-19 in the walls. R-30 in the ceilings. Further, it would also be helpful to you to check YOUR local building codes. Depending upon where you live (i.e., climate), it could make a huge difference the R-value you should install. Uniform building codes generally dicate the values I mentioned. Further, if you are doing a media room or another room in which you want sound control, double-insulation is another option.

Answer 6

insulation is made in different sizes for whatever lumber is used, 2x6 r-19, 2x8 r-21, and so on. i think your best option is the spray insulation that comes in a can. spray it on, be carefull because it expands. it works well and is good for exterior applications. regular insulation does not work well outside.

Answer 7

the higher the # the higher the rateing, any where from 13 to 19 is best, foil faced or paper faced, foil or paper goes toward the area being heated,
or use a blown type or batt, foam is the best,

Answer 8

if you go to home depot or your local hardware store where you are getting the insulation, you can pick up very helpful brochures and talk to people that can help you out.