I am building a small log home in Northern Maine for a RI gentleman. I was going to insulate the cathedral ceiling with several layers of 2″ foamboard between the rafters per the log home manufacturers instructions. The structure would be vented at the soffits and the ridge. There will be 1″ of foamboard on the inside of the 2×8 rafters with strapping and T&G pine as a finish ceiling. The roof has an 11 pitch with metal installed over 15 lb. felt paper. The manager at the local lumber yard suggested that I might want to use “dense pack” cellulose insulation. The premise of this method is that you pack the cavity with the cellulose such that there is no air movement and therefore no condensation or need for venting. I, as well as the homeowner, have always believed that an air space and vents was necessary for the insulation to work properly. The gentleman at the lumber yard said it has become a very popular method in that area. I have gone to some of the archive messages now, and will try to find and article in a prior FHB that I remember reading some time ago. Any reasons why I shouldn’t use it or any compelling reasons why I should?
Edited 8/26/2003 10:52:38 AM ET by Glenn
Edited 8/26/2003 10:54:12 AM ET by Glenn
Edited 8/26/2003 10:56:31 AM ET by Glenn
Replies
Glen, i use a lot of dens-pack..
i'd do the EPS foam just as you plan,, and strap it and then blow the dens-pack right thru the foam into the rafter cavity...
Glenn,
I have a several page word.doc that includes a bunch of outtakes regarding dp cells. May not be anything earth-shattering in there for you, but it's a compilation of random threads. I can't attach it to an email via prospero, so if you're interested, fire me an email direct (mongospecs at cs.com) so I receive your home/work email address and I'll attach and send it to you in a reply.
Densely,
Mongo