While I was messing around in the attic over the garage a few months ago, I pulled out a long strip of fiberglass insulation.
Replacing it yesterday, I wasn't sure whether to push it back in in paper side up or down. At the time, I decided that fiberglass fibers down would make it safer since much of this part of the attic is only sloppily covered with a few loose boards, and fiberglass is known to be "nasty" stuff. After browsing the Internet a bit, I realize now that paper side down is probably "correct". I don't want to incur unnecessary ceiling damage due to moisture. Is it worth flipping it around for the sake of this concern, or isn't it likely to make any difference either way? The width of the piece was much narrower than the space between the joists (so I"m not sure how good a job it could be doing--but it largely filled the space). Between adjacent joists there is loose-fill insualation, so someone probably just included this piece as an afterthought or something.
Most of the attic is frosted with loose-fill insulation, uncovered (probably wool, but I should investigate further...).
For those who are tempted to be critical, everytime I go up there I try to make it a little bit better (safer!). There Were some 10d nails hazardoutsly sticking out (which I have removed), and a 110v duplex cover half broken off leaving exposed terminals and being a risk in itself! I bought a new cover today--with rubber corners! Being slashed by the cover that is there is an ER visit I don't need. I'd be further along if the ladder worked better. As it is, one can go up, but will need help with the ladder when it is time to come down. Based on some reading, I'm going to try WD-40 on the hinges. Was thinking about replacing the ladder, but the opening is only 23.5" and most of the ones I've seen indicate they require a
24" wide opening.Sorry for making such a boring post.
Bill