Attic insulation question.

[Wulf202]

Cant make a call without seeing the building. Insulation is possible to cause that but it depends on the facing construction type and the weather patterns. Just too many variables.

Extra insulation will save you money in the long run though.

[USMC88-93]

What does it usually cost to have existing insulation vacuumed out if I want it removed before installing new?

[OtterbatHellcat]

What does it usually cost to have existing insulation vacuumed out if I want it removed before installing new?

Interesting question. Does old have to be removed? I thought those folks just came in and added to what already existed?

[USMC88-93]

Interesting question. Does old have to be removed? I thought those folks just came in and added to what already existed?

I want mine removed as the house was built in 42 and the stuff that is up there at this point accomplishes little to nothing. Removing it while not necessarily being necessary would be my preference.

[gnihcraes]

What does it usually cost to have existing insulation vacuumed out if I want it removed before installing new?

Check with Big Al's insulation here in town. It's been 10 years ago, but they came and sucked out all my old shit for $500. Dang was that worth it! Hour or so and they had the attic clean! Insulation, dirt, sawdust and everything else that was there. Wish I could find the pictures to post it up, was cool.

I believe this is them. http://www.bigalsinsulating.com/

[OtterbatHellcat]

11 year old building in an old neighborhood. Roof pitch is probably on the order of 4 to 5 - 12. The house has a stucco finish on it, and the facia soffet stuff is basic press formed composite wood type material. soffet does have vents and all.

I know that I really need to get up there and see what kind of insulation is on the ducting itself, like def90 brought up.

I'd really rather avoid the gutter heaters because they're unsightly, cost money to buy, and install/have installed, and the cost of electricity to operate them...especially off a thermostat only. And who knows what any type of maintenance costs would be. And as you pointed out, Wulf, the insulation cost would still benefit me either way in the long run.

I just want to know what the correct fix is for my particular problem. Nobody likes pissing money away.....I don't.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Damn.....I can see wanting that crap removed. I hope my pad has more insulation up there than THAT !! sheesh.

[Irving]

I'd like to remove my old stuff as well. Be nice to see what junk/treasures are up there, then have it all blown in again with better stuff.

[jslo]

Ideally you want R 30 insulation in attic, baffles to keep an air gap between insulation and roof deck at soffits and soffit vents and adequate gable or roof vents to allow good air circulation.

[Sackett]

Ideally you want R 30 insulation in attic, baffles to keep an air gap between insulation and roof deck at soffits and soffit vents and adequate gable or roof vents to allow good air circulation.

Current code requires R-38 in the attic plus, more is better. Remember, the attic insulation is not to keep your attic warm, it is to keep your house warm. "Lack" of insulation in your attic should have no bearing on ice formation in your gutters, as your attic is going to be not too much warmer than the outside. I would be curious to know if your soffit vents are blocked or if your roof jacks (or ridge vent) are clogged. Don't know why, but inadequate airflow is tickling the back of my brain.