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Check frequently asked questions about Home insulation
Resolved Question: How to fix the cotton insulation in winter coat?
I bought a hurley iconic puffer jacket in the beginning of winter. Because it is white, I wash it every couple of weeks to keep it looking nice and new. I followed the directions. The coat says to wash inside out, icy water, with like colors. Unfortunately, I have noticed that the insulation is now bunching up in random places every over the jacket. So there are bare spots inside where there is none, and tiny bunches of cotton in other spots. This makes the jacket look almost dirty and very odd. I have no idea how to fix it. I am looking for a home solution. I'm a college student and I can't afford to buy a new coat or take it to a dry-cleaners or a tailor. I know with down jackets you sometimes use a clean shoe to help keep it fluffy, but this isn't down. I don't know what to do! Here are some of the jackets specifics: Machine washable, 100% nylon. I just discovered the insulation is 100% polyster, if that makes a difference.
21 Feb 2010, 1:13 pm | click here to view more
Voting Question: How much does it cost to finish a 900 sq foot basement?
Please dont tell me to call a contractor. I cant. A contractor will tell me he needs to do a in-home estimate to determine this, but i dont possess the home yet. I am just trying to receive a general idea on how much it would cost me if I were to close on this home.... So approx how much do you think i would be charged for labor/materials if i just wanted the basics- installing insulation and drywall, and walling around the space below the stairs and around the furnace? i have friends who do electrical and flooring for a living so i dont need a contractor for that, and me and hubby can do a suspended ceiling and do painting etc, so every i really need are the walls done... any idea? the walls are concrete... so by what you say, maybe about $1000 or so for the walls? thats not too bad...
3 Feb 2010, 10:42 am | click here to view more
Voting Question: what are YOUR gas bills like per month? Just moved from home and renting dont know what to expect!?
obviously there is no proper answer im just curious. I have a one bed top floor home, (no insulation!) I have gas heating and gas cooker. Has it on alot in January as there was a icy spell. Now i would say i have it on for 5 hours of the day. I live in scotland btw.
13 Feb 2010, 10:03 am | click here to view more
Open Question: High electricity bill: use less than my neighbor, but paying more?
I live in an apt complex. I used much much less electricity than her, I am at work every day and barely turns the heat on (3-4 hours). She stays home every day, and have her heat from morning to bedtime. I paid more than her double....why is this?? we are in the same building. Her is also the same 1 bedroom and same size is mine. 1 differences, the landlord did some insulation updates on my heater, claiming it would be more efficient. But he refused the fact that he might wired something wrong. How can I argue with him and point out things?? My english skill are not good. please give me some pointers for a persuasive argument. so he knows he cant take advantage of me? her is a neigbhor of mine
7 Mar 2010, 10:18 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Spray foam attic "compact roof"?
In the process of buying a ICF "insulated concrete form structure" we did a walkthrough tonight and i noticed the attic space has spray foam insulation or what is called a "compact roof", iam unfamliar with this construction teq. what are the plus and minuses of this type of building and insulation for a roof structure. I would imagine the roof decking gets pretty hot and the shingles better be good... what should i ask and or look for? we will be closing in about 2 weeks on the home and just want a bit more info...thanks
13 Feb 2010, 12:01 am | click here to view more
Voting Question: why is my electric bill so high, when I dont have much turned on?
I am one of the most encomonic electricity user. But My bill usuage is 30% higher than the previous tenant and other tenant in my apartment complex. THey every stay home and have the heat on every day, but their bill is only $70 per month, mine is $150. My landlord recently did some insulation on the heater, so it would be more efficient...What could be the problem??? did he wired something wrong?? thank you I am only home at 5 pm and have the heat on 3 hours a day...from 5-8...
5 Mar 2010, 1:24 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Eco-friendly home ideas?
I'm designing an eco-home in class and am stuck on what insulation to use. I saw on Grand Designs an underground home (what I'm doing) and it had some sorta insulation called Bloamerfoam? Blomafoam? It's pink and in sheets and they used it to insulate the whole home. I'd also need to waterproof it, could I used some kinda recycled rubber tyres? The waterproofing needs to be good because it's an underground home. Any suggestions of eco-friendly insulation and waterproofing?
11 Feb 2010, 4:20 pm | click here to view more
Voting Question: Would You Help Me With My Persuasive Essay?
I need help. I need more sentences. Please correct any mistakes. But I already revised it through Microsoft Word. The tell of how many sentences are at the end. But anyways. A few people have been saying global warming is not true. But scientists have been discovering that global warming is true. These environments need to be saved from the companies, now a day, are dumping their waste in lakes, and polluting the air. Things people can do to reduce global warming are, using less heat and air conditioning, changing a light bulb, and buying energy-efficient products. (4 sentences) Using less heat and air conditioning means, adding insulation to your walls and attic, or installing weather stripping, or even caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs. More than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and chilly your home. (3 sentences) Replacing one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL, (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb) saves you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs last 10 times longer, uses two-thirds less energy, and 70 percent less heat. If every U.S family replaced on regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gas, the same as taking 75 million cars off the road. (2 sentences) Home appliances arrive in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs. Avoid products that arrive with excess packaging. Especially molded plastic and others, that can’t be recycled. If you read your household trash by 10 percent, you can keep 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. (1 sentence) These 3 steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget. Less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. (3 sentences) A decline in stratospheric water vapor between 2000 and 2009 followed an apparent increase between 1980 and 2000, a team of scientists has found. That finding may have implications for global warming. (3 sentences) A decade-long in global warming appears to have occurred in big parts because of the stratosphere- the layer of atmosphere that few but airlines enter- got drier. Theyaove, a team of atmospheric scientists from United States and Germany, has studied trends in stratospheric water vapor over the past 30 years, and has calculated the effects of those trends on temperatures. (3 sentences) Other factors probably played a role as well in temperature. Another contributor could have been sulfate aerosols from the rising number of coal-fired plants in China. But still others agree that, stratospheric water vapor, especially in the lowest regions of the stratosphere, can have significant impact on global average temperature trends when viewed, in decade-long time frames. Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere from 36 percent to 85 percent of the atmospheres’ greenhouse effect depending on whether clouds are included. A vast majority of the water vapor resides on the troposphere, the layer below the stratosphere. Which most of the day to day weather and over period’s climate-activity takes place. Researchers have shown that even in the context of global warming, the climate will still display natural variations that can guide to decades sprinkled throughout a century that display little or no warming, or even cooling. Scientists have also been aware that water vapor in the stratosphere, particularly in its lowest reaches, can affect temperatures up there as well as at Earthiest surface. The stratosphere’s meager supply of water caper comes largely via convection in the tropics. Atmospheric temperatures in the troposphere fall with altitude, drawing moisture out of a parcel of air as it rises. In effect, the air that reaches the lower stratosphere is freeze-dried. The amount of moisture reaching the stratosphere depends on the coldest temperature a parcel of air passes through on its way up. The temperature is at its “icy point” fell during the past decade. This is one of the “grand challenges” that researchers now face. Trying to figure whether the variability represents a natural swing in climate. Or whether it represents a broader climate feedback that might over the long term offset the effects of what scientists say is human-triggered global warming. (2 sentences) If the nations of the world take immediate action, the destruction of the global environment can be slowed substantially. If fossil-fuels emissions are clip drastically, the overall level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will still increase-along with the likelihood of some global warming. Even if toxic dumping is banned outright and that ban is strictly enforced, some lakes and aquifers will be tainted by poisons that have already been released. (2 sentences) So I know it may be long. But think of it really. I just want someones response to it. Telling me if its good or not... The rules I had to follow were. Introduce your topic and opinion in 3 sentences. 3 Reasons that support topic- each has possess paragraph 5 sentences. Conclude your essay by restating opinion and final thought.
24 Feb 2010, 1:45 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: estimate the price of utilities on a small ranch style home?
I'm moving into a place with three buddies. It's a two story ranch that has new windows and a new basement with a foam insulation walls. Home was built in the early 60's. We are wondering what utilities like electric and heat/cooling etc might cost us per month. We need an idea so we have a idea on setting a rent with our landlord. We thought by paying 250 per person will that cover utilities and still give the renter some capital. If you have a guess on how much that would be great. Thanks for the help
5 Feb 2010, 8:33 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Would Extreme Makeover Home Edition come out if....?
My dads b-day is comming up and i want to give him the best birthday EVER. We currently live in the basement of my grandparents home. He realy wants a place of his possess and they want the home to themselves. The basement hase no floor. It is every concrete, no carpet. no nothing. There is no celing. every it is insulation. The track is not up and the only light comming from the ceiling is a lightbulb. on each side. We have one bathroom for the 2 of us and when my sisters arrive down there are 4 of us sharring a bathroom. They have a room upstairs but we dont like putting every the pressure of 2 6yr olds on the grands. We have a kitchen but the floor is sinking in and it is VERY tiny. every i want for him is a home where he can work on his cars and have a great place to live and be glad. A place where me and him can live without the squishing in the same tiny space. Where my sisters can arrive up from MS and stay with us and have a great time. Now the question is.... Do you think that the Extreme Makeover team would arrive to TN and help out with this. I am not wanting this for me but for my dad and my sisters. Do you think they will take this to heart and in mind this project? And would actually consider this. If so where can i send them a video of the "home/basement" and apply. Please help. I want this to be the best thing that has ever happend to him in his life. Do you think this is to greedy of me?
2 Feb 2010, 3:37 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Would cork board be good to put as acoustic panels?
For my recording studio, acoustic panels are out of my budget. I have a home studio, and i was wondering if i could use cork boards covered in fabric for acoustic panels. Would they have the same effect as acoustic panels with the fiberglass insulation in them. If not, can i just go and use fiberglass installation that they sell at home depot and make my possess frame?
3 Feb 2010, 3:05 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Moisture in insulation?
I put a heavy plastic between my attic wall and the insulation to prevent moisture from getting in. Now I have moisture on the inside of the plastic. It is in an attic space. Should I remove the plastic? 100+ year old home.
31 Jan 2010, 5:30 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: how to get rid of a raccoon?
so we have recently now have this raccoon living in my garage. we have saw that he was eating the dog food, so we have brought it inside. then he went through the recycling cans and found something to lick and i guess eat inside of there. we do not store food in the garage so theres nothing for him to eat. we have this hunter up the road, we baby sit hes kids and we asked him for so advice he said to stick a can of tuna outside and when he leaves close the garage. so we did and ever 30 min we would go look if he was still there. we did not catch him he took the tuna and brought it back to hes little nest. we now think he has been living in there for quit some time and we have not know/ notice. we now look his little home he has made in the garage. he tore down some of the insulation(pink fluffy stuff in garage) and made i guess a home and he took some of our blankets and made him self cozy. he is sleeping right now cause its daylight but we know he will wake up at night. he is kinda cute and i feel bad for him but im scared of him. have any advice what to do???? is there anyway we could receive ride of him on our possess without killing the needy thing????
15 Feb 2010, 2:01 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: I am a home theatre installer. I will give all the pertinent details. You can all decide what's fair.?
I am a home theatre installer. Recently I did a job for a customer who to me seems very unreasonable. To make a long story short, I was installing a satellite system for him. I installed the dish, ran the lines into the home and then when I was about to run the lines up to the television from the basement, I was required to drill 2 holes. He left me alone for the entire installation until this point. When he heard me in the living room he came down and said "where are you going to drill the hole to downstairs". After doing my research and going by the safe route which I always use, I said in the hardwood next to the baseboard. He said "no, not there, my wife will kill me. I want you to go through right here, (he then pointed to an exact spot). I said I look there is a cable there already. He said yes, I watched them install that. I said does it go straight downstairs or does it take some bends? He said it goes straight down. I then drilled a hole which went into a wall cavity (his home is 120+ years old and in disrepair). I said that cable does not go straight downstairs does it! He said I guess not. I then put the hole where I originally wanted to and everything worked fine. I left the job and 5 hours later he called me and said "I have water on the floor in my basement" I thought, oh great here we go. I said "turn your water off obviously and call in a plumber". He then called me back later and said the plumber fixed the knicked pipe (from where he INSISTED I put the original hole). The cost was $275. The next day we agreed I would have my pal contractor replace every the wet drywall and insulation/vapor barrier. My pal went out and took two sections of wall out, cleaned up and left. Total work 3 hrs and $250 bill to me at a deal. Upon taking the wall out, every of the wood in the wall was discovered to be rotted from years of termites and other moisture damage long before this happened. The contractor reccomended that the entire section be replaced as main supports of the home were rotted terribly. The homeowner then said I just want the drywall screwed into the rotten wood and we'll leave it for now. He now says he wants me to cover the cost of the plumber instead. Please consider every facts and let me know what you every think is fair here.
5 Mar 2010, 11:53 am | click here to view more
Open Question: What are the unsulating properties of common dirt?
I'm rehabbing a home and have looked into various materials for wall stud insulation. Many commonly used manmade materials concern me, from a health aspect. How well would compacted common dirt/earth work as an insulator? I live in Illinois.
7 Mar 2010, 7:43 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: I am wanting to blow insulation myself in the attic.does anyone know how many?
bags of insulation i would need for a 1400 sq ft home? the bags say they cover 20 cubic sq ft per bag
2 Mar 2010, 11:09 am | click here to view more
Open Question: how to replace insulation under a mobile home?
i have wet rotted insulation hanging from underneath my mobile home. i need to know what to use and how to fix it
8 Mar 2010, 11:31 pm | click here to view more
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Resolved Question: Insulation a Craw Space - All Sheet Metal?
I possess a condo that has a sheet metal or aluminum base. I want to add insulation to the underside of this. The crawl space is easily accessible. The sheet metal and steel beams cover the entire underside of the home. I would like to know how to go about insulation this and how to attach since there is no wood to tack anything to in order to keep the insulation in place.
27 Feb 2010, 1:56 pm | click here to view more
Voting Question: Battling a mold (or mildew?) problem..?
Hello :) Little info first: My home is an extremely cheap place rented from family while I goto college, so moving or asking landlord to fix wouldn't be wise :) While I'm not DIY savvy I do try to fix things myself and not hassle the folks who are being generous enough already. My home is basically cement block walls with no insulation, and it's pretty old.. Over the last year I've noticed some either mold or mildew (not sure which) growing on the walls that have windows on them, which I would clean off with either Vinegar or bleach depending on my mood. It worked ok till this month or so. We've gotten so much snow and rain that it's growing back with vengeance. I moved a table in the living room I had against the wall and the wall was just covered. I've sealed any cracks I've seen but I've noticed that the glass on the windows themselves just sweat like crazy. Some of whatever is growing can also be as much as 4-5 feet away from the window.. On a budget, whats the best way to deal with this for good or atleast a year or so before I have to fix again? I know atleast in the bathrooms the paint doesn't feel "glossy" like it should to prevent normal mildew from showering... I've thought about buying a dehumidifier but I'm not sure if that would solve the whole problem. Aside from the windows being wet the home already feels very dry from having the heat on every day every day. I have TONS of time to put into this project since my school and work is mostly from home, but not a lot of money. Thank you! http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mini-Dehumidifier/12517065?sourceid=44444444440027808108 Would this be a good start?
19 Feb 2010, 4:41 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: what should i put my exposed wires/nuts in?
I recently added recessed lighting in my ceilings. In some of the connections, not at the light itself, I have some wire connections free hanging (currently over every insulation and not touching anything). Is there some sort of metal box or something I can buy to place over each of these and screw into a stud? If so, do the normal home improvement stores carry?
2 Feb 2010, 7:38 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Is is better to leave the thermostat at a set temperature all day or to drop it while you are not home?
Will the amount of energy needed to bring the home temperature back up to the desired warmth when you receive home be less than the energy needed to maintain the home at a constant temperature every day or vice-versa - given we have pretty good insulation these days. I ask this in R&S because I am hoping some creationists with their expert arguments about entropy and thermodynamics can help me out and possible even show me the calculations.
17 Feb 2010, 9:31 am | click here to view more
Voting Question: any Aussie's getting their home insulatored soon? Beware?
There is a company called Greens Engineeing. A contractor comes around and knocks on your door convincing you to receive your home insulatored by them. They do a very dodgy job. There have been reports that only half a roof gets done or insulation is being placed on live wires. If your home has been insulated check the job that has been done properly. And if you are considering making use of the government rebate and getting your home insulated check with this site first to find registered installers. http://apps.nowwhere.com.au/dewha/installersearch/default.aspx Cheers :)
12 Feb 2010, 8:22 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: What can we use to underfill an acrylic shower base so that the floor stops squeeking? Is there a foam?
When we renovated our master bathroom last year, we got a Jacuzzi shower base instead of using tile on the shower floor. (http://www.jacuzzi.com/pdf/SHOWERBASES.PDF) We had it installed for us by the same guy who did the plumbing. When he installed it, he didn't use any mortar compound. He said the instructions say it wasn't necessary because our floor was perfectly level. My husband argued with him about it insisting you're supposed to always sit these things into a base of compound, but the guy insisted no, you'll screw up the car-leveling foam that's on the bottom of the base and it will just make a mess. We deferred to his expertise. Everything was great as first and it really felt solid. We finished up every the relax of the shower stall, and it's done right. There's moisture and mold resistant sheetrock, followed by tar paper, followed by a layer of 1/4" cement hardiboard to the flange edge of the shower base (as the instructions show), then we tiled on top of that board with an overlap over the flange. And I silicone sealed around the bottom like they show. It's solid and it came out awesome. But now, a year later, every time we step in the shower, the floor squeaks. My husband is pissed off because he says the self-leveling foam is basically compressing over time and that's what is causing the problem. I think he's mostly pissed because he hired someone to do that part only because he never did shower base plumbing and he was nervous about it, but now in hindsight he wishes he did it every himself. Of course, the guy we hired is no longer in business either, or moved to another state. Other than ripping it every out and starting over, is there anything we can put underneath now? Preferably a self-expanding foam that is okay for acrylic but turns rock difficult? We can receive to the underside of the shower base but it's via a very tiny 4" gap from below our Jacuzzi tub access panel. So that's why we're thinking some nice of hardening foam. The other option is to push compound below there, but we don't think that will work. It will be impossible to spread evenly and receive it to press tight against the base. So that's why we're still thinking foam. I've heard of some kinds of foams that they use for insulation that do receive extremely difficult. I'm not sure if they are safe for contact with acrylic though. Or maybe the installer was absolutely right and maybe it's just our subfloor squeaking now that it doesn't have that heavy floor tile on it? (But I don't think that's it. It really does sound like the acrylic base is pulling at every the side screws because it's compressing down. And it feels that way below your feet too.) Well this remains a sore spot in what was otherwise a spectacular rennovation. And my husband continues to receive mad over it almost every time he takes a shower! I want to be able to suggest something we can try besides ripping it every out. Any ideas? Or are we just totally f****d and have no other choice but to rip it out and do it right this time -- by ourselves? (It feels like an episode of Holmes on Homes.)
13 Feb 2010, 8:30 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: RESPONDING TO MMS as requested. I gave you an example in my original question REGARDING WASTEFUL SPENDING?
Cash for clinkers cost $24,000.00 of tax payer money for every car sold.The greening jobs obama created, something like 9 BILLION DOLLARS for green insulation and energy for homesGovernment realeased the findings that it cost $54,000.00 of tax payer money for every home that was treated. Now,--PLEASE dont tell me these to examples are bushs fault.Feel free to hooler if you wangt more ACTUAL EXAMPLES?
19 Feb 2010, 6:39 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: How much would it costs to have my basement done?
Basically we moved into a nice home built in 2007. Were the second owners and the whole home looks great with the exception of the basement. I was wondering how expensive it would be to have it renovated. Were every pretty illiterate when it comes to renovating or building, but we want to do it ourselves without the help of a private contractor. The basement is very bare: It has pavement on the floor, and wooden planks (no idea how to call them) for the walls. There is no insulation on the walls (the fuzzy puffy things), but we have working heat, working wall plugs, and working lights. How much would it costs to have the walls done, a carpet put in, a couple of doors and the ceiling (pavement as well) done? -Thanks!
22 Feb 2010, 1:41 am | click here to view more
Voting Question: Is a 5 ton Central Heat and Air Unit for a 1500 sq. ft. home in Oklahoma too big?
I have found a good price on a new 5 ton unit but my husband is concerned that it is too big for our newly constructed home which has R-10 Insulation. He is concerned the AC will freeze up because our home is too tiny for it.
2 Mar 2010, 6:36 pm | click here to view more
Open Question: AUSTRALIANS: Can you explain the recent home insulation scam that is going on? In simple terms?
Hi, I'm doing this for a research project for school. I've looked everywhere, read a bajillion newspaper articles...but i still don't receive it. What exactly is the scam? i'm trying to write the intro now, but... What exactly did the government announce? (What does rebate mean!) Did they give this $1600 to the people or to the companies? Why did they give this money to whoever they gave it to? What was the aim? And now, what exactly is the 'scam'? Is it that the companies are overcharging people, or is it that that random people are pretending to be from companies and doing these dodgy jobs? the main thing I want answered is WHAT IS THE SCAM? maybe I'm not phrasing this correctly, but I don't understand what a 'rebate' is and what the government was trying to achieve anyway. Please, could someone explain, and not just copy and glue chunks out of articles?
8 Mar 2010, 2:55 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Signed an agreement for roof over on mobile home. Paid 1/2 down, now roofer wants to change?
Here is what agreement states: "Reroofover. Build 2x4 truss system. build 1.4 pearlins every 2' and 1' at bottom edge of roof. Fasten metal to pearlins. Insulation board beneath metal flsh on side to cover wood. Roof on edge is 1 foot overhang. Job price 5000.00 " I paid 2500 down. Today roofer tells me they are not going to build the truss system and the price is still the same. Is this legal? The roofer added in the 1" insulation after I asked if it was included. (every other roofing quotes I received included insulation). He said it would cost a little more, but added it in with the same 5000.00 price. He says that his boss said the truss system is not needed for this job. I did ask about a price difference and he said it would stay the same and he actually had to buy more 2x4's. My husband is meeting with him this evening to talk about it. I think he is trying to rip us off because he has been talking with me and not a man. He seems annoyed when I told him I needed to contact my husband and then seemed pissed when my husband asked to set up a meeting this evening. Yes, we both signed the contract. He has not started the job yet, he was bringing over material when he told me the "plan" had changed. That is when I immediately told him I had to call my hubby.
3 Mar 2010, 10:33 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: On a warm in winter gable roof what melts first, the upper ice or lower ice.?
I have a warm attic from not enough attic insulation in my older home. On say a 40 degree day, what part of the 8" of solid ice on the overhang will melt first?
28 Feb 2010, 10:06 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: How much to insulate my house?
I am in year 11 and I am doing a graphics assignment in ArchiCAD. The home needs roofing insulation. how much to insulate a goldcoast home that is 305sqm with bats? How much money??
18 Feb 2010, 1:04 am | click here to view more
Voting Question: What are the benefits of proper insulation system in a steel home?
12 Feb 2010, 1:58 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Retrofitting extra insulation into a cathedral ceiling?
i'm getting a lot of roof snow melt (heat loss) over the cathedral ceilings which are everywhere in my home except the bedrooms where the attic is located. is there an easy and cheap way to add insulation into the the cathedrals?
19 Feb 2010, 9:07 pm | click here to view more
Open Question: Insulating my basement walls.?
I am in the process of finishing half of my basement into a home theater room. I went ahead and installed 3/4" rigid insulation (R4) on the walls in the half of the basement I'm finishing and have now framed out the room. I'm a little confused about how to insulate from here. I would assume fiberglass insulation would be best for the exterior walls, but what about the wall that faces the unfinished half of the basement? Do I need to insulate that at every? Also, on one of the walls that faces the exterior, I have a space between the framing and concrete wall of about 2 feet (had to make room for duct work, pipes, etc). I have the rigid insulation on the concrete wall already. Should I just do fiberglass insulation on the framed wall even though it won't meet flush with the foundation wall?
10 Mar 2010, 10:47 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: How to insulate exterior walls?
I recently purchased a mobile home. I pulled the sheetrock because of a mold problem caused by a leaky pipe. When the framing was exposed I noticed that the outside walls were not sheeted with plywood, instead there is a card board type weather barrier between the studs and the vinyl siding. I am planning on pulling every of the insulation and replacing with mold resistant R-19. Would it be better or worse to place a layer of plastic sheeting between the siding and insulation? I also intend to place plastic between the insulation and drywall. What is my best solution to keep the inside air inside the home without generating a moisture problem? Thanks
10 Feb 2010, 12:05 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: mold and damp in home?
what rights as a tenant of council do i have to act upon getting my mold sorted, they just keep coming saying i have wet and just painting it, there is other ways to cease this and was wondering if i had and legal grounds to say i want it fixing and not preventing (, the contractors do something to the walls (inject or knock the wall in to receive to the insulation). it needs to receive sorted because i have thrown things away that have got moldy and has cost me lots of money
2 Feb 2010, 12:19 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: list of materials needed to build a home?
i need a list of materials that are needed in order to build a home. structure. insulation etc. this is for a project. and i just need a list of materials in oreder to build a home. i am not really building it.
28 Feb 2010, 5:51 pm | click here to view more
Open Question: Arguing with my landlord?? need help on persuasion?
I live in an apt complex. I used much much less electricity than my neighbore in the same bldg., I am at work every day and barely turns the heat on (3-4 hours). She stays home every day, and have her heat from morning to bedtime. I paid more than her double....why is this?? we are in the same building. Her is also the same 1 bedroom and same size is mine. 1 differences, the landlord did some insulation updates on my heater, claiming it would be more efficient. But he refused the fact that he might wired something wrong. How can I argue with him and point out things?? My english skill are not good. please give me some pointers for a persuasive argument. so he knows he cant take advantage of me?
7 Mar 2010, 10:20 am | click here to view more
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Voting Question: What kind of insulation to use for doors and windows?
I notice that wind or air going in our home through the top of the front door. It has insulation except the top portion. What do you call the insulation for doors and windows because i tried searching for it in home depot site and lowes but i can't find it and what they give me is the insulation for attic and basements. Can anyone give me some tips i really want to keep energy.
11 Feb 2010, 11:54 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: I don't have receipts for some home improvements, can I still claim it on tax return?
I can't find the receipts for some home improvements that I did on my home. It's for some attic insulation, a new exterior door and window. They total about $609.00. Can I claim it on my tax return? Should I claim it on my taxes? How much trouble would I receive in if I were to receive audited and don't have the receipts? My tax return is the simple 1040. They can easily arrive to my home and look the items...lol! Thanx!
2 Feb 2010, 10:51 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Should the government buy you cars, insulation, refrigerators, windows, etc.?
I asked a question earlier about the Cash for Insulation program Obama is proposing and I called it wacky. Someone answered with the following Uh, yeah. That's real wacky. Ever look a thermal imaging of a person's home? Around the doors and windows? 95% of the heat and cooling are going right out those cracks. This plan makes sense. The LESS you are spending on electricity, heating, and cooling, THE MORE $ YOU HAVE IN YOUR POCKET. You know, to stimulate the economy? You guys are really unAmerican, you know that? To oppose every single thing coming out of Washington based solely on the fact that Obama put it out there. It's unAmerican, and frankly -- it's bordering on treasonous. And of course the most DISGUSTING thing is you're the same people who screamed at the top of your lungs for eight years about "loving your country and respecting your President." So let me ask the Yahoo Community this - Should the government use tax money to buy me these things just to stimulate the economy? Is it a good idea or not? Kevin - I do not believe in global warming. You should know that by now.
4 Mar 2010, 5:01 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: Are companies that provide oil for heating homes, also suppose to provide a heating insulation diagnostic?
10 Feb 2010, 8:50 am | click here to view more
Voting Question: How much should my electric bill be for a 1600 sq. ft. home in central Indiana?
I know there are a lot of variables here. Our heat pump is electric. Our water heater is electric. Here's the thing: the relax of the year, our average bill is $160, but December, January, February, it is over $400. The home (split-level) was built in 1973, and I don't know how old the furnace is. I am icy every WINTER because we keep the thermostat at 66 degrees. Next summer we are thinking about replacing the furnace, adding insulation to the attic, and doing a few other things to help out the problem. But I just want to know, is that ridiculously high? Or is that normal for other people with similar-size and age of homes in a similar climate, with electric heat pump?
8 Feb 2010, 8:49 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: How do I install insulation in my attic?
I need to add insulation to my attic. Is it as easy as going to Home Depot, buying the pink insulation, and placing it down on the attic floors? Also, I know I need to lay some on the floor but do I staple/nail it to the attic ceilings too? Thanks for the help! I've never had to do this before.
18 Feb 2010, 9:49 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: What are my rights when my new house isn't finished by closing?
The closing date for our new construction home is in 9 days. The home doesn't even have insulation, drywall, doors, etc. Obviously I won't be living in it in 9 days. It was supposed to be finished in December, then January, now February. every the set backs I've had no problem with and have been able to easily receive an extention on the rental I'm currently living in. I told the rental agency I will 100% be out of here at the end of the month so they have new renters coming in on March 1st. Now I'm stuck...my contract for the new home says closing for the 26th, and I need to be out of this place on the 28th...What are my rights? Is my builder responsible for putting us somewhere? What should I ask for?
17 Feb 2010, 8:31 pm | click here to view more
Voting Question: Is it really an incentive for middle class Americans to make their homes more energy efficient?
President Obama claiming tax breaks to middle class by offering incentives for making homes energy efficient. Where do I receive the money to do this? I have to pay for windows, furnace, roofing, insulation, etc. BEFORE I can a "tax break". Is this a new idea? I believe Bush offered the same deal. http://www.eagle-mt.com/tax_incentives.php http://www.allbusiness.com/accounting-reporting/corporate-taxes/1164854-1.html
2 Feb 2010, 1:47 pm | click here to view more
Open Question: Electricity bill said I used more than my neigbor, when I actually uses less?
I live in an apt complex. I used much much less electricity than my neighbor in the same bldg., I am at work every day and barely turns the heat on (3-4 hours). She stays home every day, and have her heat from morning to bedtime. I paid more than her double....why is this?? we are in the same building. Her is also the same 1 bedroom and same size is mine. 1 differences, the landlord did some insulation updates on my heater, claiming it would be more efficient. But he refused the fact that he might wired something wrong. How can I argue with him and point out things?? My english skill are not good. please give me some pointers for a persuasive argument. so he knows he cant take advantage of me?
7 Mar 2010, 10:26 am | click here to view more
Voting Question: Is it possible to reduce upstairs noise with out dropping the ceiling?
I'm not sure if it's because there is not enough space between floors (I think there's 12 inches) or what, but anytime someone is upstairs the movement on the floor is noisy! Our light fixtures even shake with normal rough housing or running that kids do. I've heard of expandable insulation that can be sprayed into spaces to absorb sound. Would that be something possible to do between the floors of a two story home?
22 Feb 2010, 12:25 am | click here to view more
Resolved Question: With the "dodgy" home insulation scheme across Australia, what caused the electrocutions to happen?
Wouldn't the professional installers taken safeguards first, just in case? You wouldn't usually have exposed wires (wiring) or outlets in attics, et cetera would you?
27 Feb 2010, 4:44 am | click here to view more
Voting Question: Are all modular homes this screwed up?
I had a modular home built and it was completed a couple of months ago. I have noticed several problems ranging from stuff that I know is wrong, to stuff that I'm not so sure about. Everything is cracking for one thing because the home is settling. I think it would be covered below the warranty, but the grout around the tub and shower is cracking, gaps are coming up around door and window jams, one door that connects to the outside is tilted so badly that it currently has masking tape around it to keep icy air from pouring in. Should lighting always be centered over a sink? It's just aesthetic, but why would you mount lights off middle? And that was in the unfinished second story that was finished by my contractor. They could have put them anywhere, but put them off balance and they don't match. I was not asked my opinion on anything upstairs except the layout (and that is because I insisted on it. Why are the bottoms of my deck steps resting on pieces of wood, instead of a sturdy foundation? Why weren't the walls painted something other than primer off white? They said it was extra when I asked if I could pick the paint colors, but everything marks up these walls, and the home was supposed to be turn key. Oh, and my pipes froze on the second story of a brand new home because they were not insulated and icy air was pouring in from the soffit holes. Oh, and is it normal to have 1 1/4" gaps from the bottom of your interior doors, to the floor. Like for example a bathroom or closet door? I don't know what the standard is and I'm pretty sure I had the wool pulled over my eyes. Oh, and is it unusual for the light fixtures in the same room not to match...light fixtures that are only 8 feet apart? And is it ok to have light switches that don't do anything when you flip them on and off? And plumbing fixtures below the sinks that you can wiggle back and forth because they are not attached to the wall. Or gaps in the insulation on the basement ceiling. Or how about using interior brackets and screws for exterior hand railing? These are only a few of the many things wrong with my new home. Any idea of what I should say to the contractor to receive the problems fixed? Or a website that shows the standard expectations for a turn key home?
1 Feb 2010, 9:17 pm | click here to view more
Resolved Question: When Obama returns from his planned vacation in Indonesia, will he decide we should all live like Indonesians?
Will Obama return filled with admiration for the "grit and determination, and pure resourcefulness" of the people who live in grinding poverty in Indonesia, where the president lived from age 6 to age 10? Will he decide that if people can survive like that in Indonesia, then the people in the USA should be willing to live below the same conditions? Will he say it would make us more competitive in the global economy, and it will build solidarity with the workers in the relax of the world? Will the Obamanuts say this would reduce the resentment against Americans, because they feel entitled to live so much better than the workers in the developing nations? Will Obama announce that we should every give up our comfortable homes, with insulated walls and glass windows, and live in grass huts like the people do in other parts of the world? Will he say that wall insulation and glass windows are "too materialistic," and that American workers are out of step with the relax of the world? Will anybody notice that the people in Canada, Germany, and Sweden are not living in grass huts, and they're whupping our keesters in the global economy......?
20 Feb 2010, 10:32 am | click here to view more