Older house: add insulation or radiant barrier?

Question

I have a 1950's house, with about3" of blown  cellulose in the attic (I assume none in the walls). Aftertwo sequential $250+ heating bills, I decided to address the insulatorynature of the home.  My question is, without the addition of a ridgevent, would those of you in the know recommend installing radiantbarrier or blowing in another 8" of insulation (not fiberglass). Thecosts appear to be the same (or assume they are), and I can only budgetfor one.  Assume I would be doing either of the installations. Oneadditional question involves painting the roofs underlayment with aceramic/metallic paint marketed for it's radiant and insulatorybenefits. Thank you in advance. - Dan

HA HA Budys Here · Accepted Answer

Painting the underlayment of a roof does nothing to stop heat from escaping through the ceiling and into the attic space.

A combination of ridge vents and soffit vents over a properly insulated attic (of either blown insulation or standard fiberglass batts) is considered by many ideal, however the old standby of soffit vents and gable vents is still acceptable.

Daniel Callahan · Answer

Thanks. You reaffirmed what I thought was the case.  Dan

Nick Hull · Answer

If you have NO insulation in the walls and 3" in the attic, tou need to insulate the walls first.

Daniel Callahan · Answer

Really!? I would have guessed the greater benefit would have come frominsulating the attic, as it now has somewhere around an R-10 rating.

m Ransley · Answer

Heat rises, attic minimums are R35 wall minimums are r 14 for my area.Your walls also have dead air space which helps. Do the attic firstthats where most of your heat loss is

Daniel Callahan · Answer

Agreed. THanks

Older house: add insulation or radiant barrier?

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