i have a 2 story/2unit home in grand rapids mi. the roof is probably a 12/12 or close pitch and i know that the furnace is rather old but i also know there are issues in the attic. the upper unit ceiling/attic floor has a very old loose insulation (some type of bagged loose ins. there were old bags left over when i went up there to clean/remodel after the last tenants left) on the attic floor. the roof rafters are not insulated and there are no vents in the soffit. i am pretty sure that the non vented soffits is an issue but what i am looking for is the answer to is the best way to insulate/ventilate the attic for this 2 unit home as is the upper apt. seems to be warmer than the lower and i am looking to get the most bang for the buck when it comes to projects anymore. being in michigan and all the cold winters and humid summers whats the deal? thanks in advance everybody

 

If your upper unit is hotter thank you lucky stars and start looking to other than insulation/ventilation problems.

If the upper floors were colder you would know you had insulation and vent problems.

Otherwise, it appears your insulation is doing its job since heat rises and should make the upper story warmer in winter.

What you may be dealing with is an imbalanced heating unit instead, if you have 1 furnace that heats both units.

Consider instead zoning the heating system if possible.

Added attic insulation never hurts.

 

cool, thanks for the reply, by the way, adding attic insulation never hurts......... attic insulation as in on the attic floor or between roof rafters??? thanks again.

 

What type of heating system do you have? I have a 2 family home with gas / steam radiators. The "imbalance" of heat was solved quickly and cheaply buy purchasing adjustable vents. Made all the difference.

BTW I've only insulated attic floors - I've heard horror stories about co workers insulating the attic "ceiling" and the resulting moisture problems.


I've purchased two homes with attic insulation installed upside down - in one of the homes it seemed that the moisture got "caught" in insulation as the facing was not installed to the ceiling (heated side), was easily remedied by turning the insulation over (and disposing of the "damp" pieces).

I try to get a minimum of R 40 in my attics - it seems most people used R-19 in this area I just roll unfaced R-25 over top of it in opposite direction. Tenants have told me it makes a big difference in the comfort level... I wonder how much I have in MY attic???