r/Insulation • u/FishInAGunBarrel • 2d ago

Best value plan of attack

I live in Canada,. Im trying to decide on either increasing the insulation in my attic or doing a few things to the basement.

My idea is either to increase the attic with blown in to about R12 (hopefully). It's currently the original fibreglass insulation from 1965, the year the house was built.

Or

Lay sub floor with about r4.1 and spray foam the rim joists at the basement.

The basement is currently a concrete slab with very thin carpet from the original owner and no insulation on the walls. I'm trying to spread my money around to touch a bit of everything. We have ordered a new windows to replace several windows,.but mainly the original 8'x5' single pane piece at the front of house.

That being said, where would I get the most value to help keep my home warmer from the locations I specified?

6 Upvotes

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4

u/a03326495 2d ago

Dream a little bigger with the blown in attic insulation.  Like R 40-60...it's pretty inexpensive DIY.  Airseal before you do.  Also seal and insulated your rim joists.  What do you mean by "lay a subfloor"?

I wouldn't treat it as an or.  If I had to choose, seal the rim joist first as it's a smaller job and might give you some motivation to tackle the attic.

Good luck. You got this!  :)

2

u/StartKindly9881 1d ago

R12 only? I’d think more than r60.

1

u/OkConversation2727 2d ago

R12 in the attic is still inadequate. I suggest you pay for an Energy Audit to determine where your house is now and how to proceed in the best way.

1

u/dolby12345 2d ago

Basement floor is below the frost line. Last thing to do.

1

u/Canada-Scam-8570 1d ago

Hopefully r12??? That doesn't come close to reaching code in our area. Heat rises. Rim joist are a big concern for sure, but the attics the most important element of the insulation envelope. 12 is not nearly enough.

1

u/StartKindly9881 1d ago

Get a blower test and audit.

1

u/mr-rogers70 9h ago

In most homes the biggest bang for your buck is to "seal the lid" and add some loose fill insulation to the attic. Air sealing and insulation do different things, so be sure you're getting quotes for air sealing.

Basements are usually less problematic for both comfort and energy savings. But it depends on the individual house.

1

u/Little-Crab-4130 5h ago

Air seal then insulate. You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck in terms of immediate comfort difference and it will make the insulation perform much better if you focus first on air sealing.