Best way to insulate for warmer house

last year

My house and floors are freezing. i currently have wood siding. Should I get vinyl siding instead or do one of these things recommended by contractor? He is definitely trustworthy just want to see what everyone thinks is the best option.

Insulate the basement ceiling:

Materials needed:

30 Rolls R-19 Faced Fiberglass

5 cans spray foam

3 Rolls seam tape

5 boxes staples.

6 tubes for caulk

So Materials alone are over $1100.

Then it’s time consuming. You have to slice around all the wires and pipes in the ceiling so it lays flat and you utilize the R value. If you stuff it and cram it in it does nothing. Before starting everything in the basement needs to be covered in plastic including appliances and furnaces. Then after it’s done there will be fiberglass pieces all over. The whole basement needs to be swept, Hepa Vacuumed and mopped. That stuff gets all over.

Would take 3-4 guys 3 days to finish then a clean up day.

So labor alone would be about $3000

There are interim controls that may help.

1. Foam filling all exterior penetrations

2. Filling the entire perimeter joist pockets above the block wall will R19

3. Cracking or redirecting both furnaces just slightly so it doesn’t affect heating the units so it heats the basement a little more.

May get a 10-15 degree heat rise in the basement once it reaches an equilibrium. Not ideal but improvement.

Still gotta clean up after. But maybe Labor and material $1500-1800.

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Comments (5)

mojavemaria
last year
Where did you get the labor number? it sounds way high.
G W
last year
Where do you live? What's your heat source? What is your wall and roof insulation situation currently? I wouldn't think changing from wood to vinyl siding would make much difference unless you are adding insulation or addressing other leaks at the same time.
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worthy
last year
Cracking or redirecting both furnaces just slightly

Must be technical terms I'm not familiar with!

2. Filling the entire perimeter joist pockets above the block wall will R19

Absolutely pointless! Insulate rim joists with foam or XPS cut to size and sealed with caulking or foam.

The R2-3 in so-called "insulated" siding isn't likely worth the price.

The best return will come from the caulking and spray foam sealing of the crevices, cracks and penetrations.

Finally, trying to isolate the basement from the rest of the house can't be done with fibreglass. But since you evidently use the basement, what's the point in the first place?

Your handyman may be trustworthy. But he's definitely poorly informed.

See US Department of Energy's many useful sites, such as this one. Or Building Science Corp. articles and papers, free here.
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
last year
Since your problem is a "whole house" issue, it needs a "whole house" evaluation. Contact your utility company and see if they offer energy audit services. Many do-- and at no cost to the homeowner. The auditor can help you prioritize improvements to get the best return on your investment.
mike_home
last year
Is the basement mostly underground? What temperature is the basement in the winter? The floors may feel cold but I am skeptical it is due to the basement ceiling not being insulated.