Expert: Michael Hughes - 2/22/2008

Question
Hello. We live in Michigan, had a new roof installed 21/2 yrs ago-additional roof vents and soffit vents were installed. This winter noticed water spots on ceilings at exterior walls (not all rooms) our roofer came back & in checking our attic said some of the insulation was not all the way to the appropriate spot near the roof edge (keeping soffit area & vents open. He then returned & did clear some insulation away from two of the soffit vents. Sorry so long but wanted to give background, our previous roof was older (17 years) & we never had this problem. Anyway, we only have about an R18 value in the attic, it is suggested that it be somewhere around R39-R48. The existing insulation is blown in and does go to the top of the rafters. I understand we need to add some insulation and run it perpendicular to the rafters. My question, finally, is whether there is an alternative to fiberglass, which seems somewhat scary due to itching & breathing in of such as we would like to lay some insulation down ourselves to save money, I saw info on green insulation (US Green)but you have to blow it in. Any info on alternative "lay down" insulation to fiberglass would be great. Thank you so much for your time and help.

Answer
Carol,
You have two issues you require answers for.
1. I think if you install the insulation yourself you will be dealing with fiberglass as that sounds like what is currently installed.
2. You need to get baffles installed at your soffit areas so the "cold roof" design works as designed.
Based on what you stated and the 2 items above I would suggest you hire an insulation firm to do the work. I would check in your area for a couple competitive prices. With the homebuilding industry so slow contractors will more than likely give you very competitive prices (blown insulation is somewhat less expensive than batt).
Hope this helps.