Cellulose And Weight = Problem?

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 01-09-2009, 07:06 PM   #1
Contractor
 
tgeb's Avatar
 
Trade: Excavation, Foundation, Concrete
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,271

Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


I am having some additional insulation blown into my attic.

I got 2 quotes and both contractors quoted fiberglass instead of cellulose, from my research here and other places I understand that cellulose is better.

When I brought this up the contractor who I intend to use said he did not like to put cellulose in the attic due to the weight of the material. (he will be adding R-19 on top of what is there, to a total of R-38. But some places actually have none at this time, so those areas will be R-38 cellulose)

My attic framing is "stick built" 2X6 for ceiling joist and 2X8 rafters, 16" centers, but only 3/8" sheet rock above the living spaces.

Do you think this will present an issue some where down the road? I don't want my ceiling looking like a wash board in a few years.

Price is the same with this so the only issue is....Is cellulose the right thing in this application.







And no I'm not going over to DIYChatroom.

__________________
Tom

www.gebcon.com
tgeb is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 01-10-2009, 12:49 AM   #2
Registered User
 
WXdan's Avatar
 
Trade: weatherization tech
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 4

Re: Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


Hi tgeb,

I'm gonna guess that your contractor doesn't usually stock cellulose, and that's why he's pushing the fibo. Blown cellulose goes at (conservatively) R 3 per inch. If you are looking for R 38, you are going to have at the most 13 inches of cellulose at a density of less than 2 pounds per cubic foot. Some simple math...tells me that that will end up being a little over 2 pounds per square foot of ceiling area (1'x1'x13"). No worries on the sheet rock. The place I work for has been blowing cellulose since the 1980's and the only ceiling weight issues we have is when one of our techs puts his foot through the ceiling.

A side note, whatever you blow in an attic will get into the home occupant's lungs (uncomfortable for us insulators to say, but true). I would rather breath cellulose (recycled newspaper with borax) than fiberglass.
WXdan is offline  
Old 01-10-2009, 08:07 AM   #3
DavidC
 
DavidC's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeler
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NNY
Posts: 1,917

Re: Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


We choose cellulose over FG at every opportunity. IMHO it's simply a better product that has fewer install problems. I agree with WXDan's assessment.

Good Luck
Dave
__________________
www.CookContractingLLC.com
DavidC is offline  
Old 01-10-2009, 09:05 AM   #4
Pro
 
TimelessQuality's Avatar
 
Trade: GC/Remodeling
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central America (Kansas)
Posts: 1,923

Re: Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


3/8" rock may sag over time... Especially if you have a high humidity area (bath) or event (water leak).
__________________
-Steve

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." ~ Albert Einstein
TimelessQuality is offline  
Old 01-13-2009, 07:53 PM   #5
Contractor
 
tgeb's Avatar
 
Trade: Excavation, Foundation, Concrete
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,271

Re: Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


Thanks for the feed back guys. How ever I made a mistake in the R value I quoted in the original post, and we actually should have R-49 total in this attic.

Does this change your opinions at all?
__________________
Tom

www.gebcon.com
tgeb is offline  
Old 01-14-2009, 12:11 AM   #6
Registered User
 
WXdan's Avatar
 
Trade: weatherization tech
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 4

Re: Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


No opinion change from me.
WXdan is offline  
Old 01-14-2009, 06:42 AM   #7
DavidC
 
DavidC's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeler
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NNY
Posts: 1,917

Re: Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


Same here. I have more than that over my own kitchen.

Good Luck
Dave
__________________
www.CookContractingLLC.com
DavidC is offline  
Old 01-14-2009, 08:13 AM   #8
Member
 
bighammer's Avatar
 
Trade: Lead Nail Bender....
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Iowa
Posts: 88

Re: Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


intake, exhaust, proper vents, make sure you have adequate ventilation...you could ruin everything if this is not done properly.

I wonder why they used 3/8" SR on the ceiling areas? Good luck and keep us posted on what you do...
bighammer is offline  
Old 01-27-2009, 07:55 PM   #9
Pro
 
parts's Avatar
 
Trade: Insulation contractor
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: CT
Posts: 164

Re: Cellulose And Weight = Problem?


Weight should not be a problem with 3/8 Sheetrock when it's 16 OC. The 3/8 is existing? Or to used just to match whats there already?
parts is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?