Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 12/2/2008

Question
I recently bought a home built in the late '20s in grand rapids, michigan.  the attic has what appears to be some kind of loose wool insulation between 5" joists.  In many areas, the insulation is either compressed or just plain underfilled to as little as 2" to 3".

when installing additional fiberglass insulation, should I first run batts the same direction as the joists in order to bring the insulation level up to (or above) the top of the joists before putting a second layer perpendicular to that?

or would it be better to start at 90degrees to the joists and just let the new insulation "drape" into any low-lying areas?

any help/advice would be appreciated.

-JS-

Answer
Hi joe, you will get a nicer looking job if you run the fibeglass batts between the joists first.  But why use batts?  You can blow in fiberglass insulation for half the cost and get a good seamless coverage as thick as you want.  Contact your local insulation contractor for an estimate or you can rent the equipment and buy the materials at most home improvement big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes.   I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com