Hello,

So I've reached the point in my build where I'm insulating the basement theater. I've taken care of the walls with R-13, but had a question about insulating between the 2X10s in the ceiling. Is R-30 my best option or should i layer R-13 and R-19? The main reason I ask is that it seems impossible to find faced R-30 which makes installation a bit of a pain. If I went with R-13 and R-19, I can buy both layers faced, which would make it much easier for the install.

What are the advantages / disadvantages?

Jason,

If you cut the R-30 so it fits snug in the joist bays, it will stay in place from slight compression long enough that you can seal up the ceiling with your sheetrock. It would definitely save you money over using the combination of R-13/R-19.

Thanks. I guess I could always buy insulation straps as well? I just know the faced insulation was so much easier to cut.

you do not need faced insulation in that scenario. Its typically used when you have an interior space with an exterior space on the other side, ie outside walls and between attic and top floor ceiling.

Right,

I know I don't need it. I was just looking from a conveinance standpoint. Are the straps just called "insulation straps" or "insulation supports" ?

You don't need faced, but it can sure help with the installation.

You also do not need to spend the $$ on R30. Benefits gained beyond what you would see with R19 is minimal.

It is very intuitive that the R30 would really do a lot, but again the difference in performance between R19 and R30 is minimal from a practical standpoint, especially considering the cost. If insulation were free or cheap, then what the hell, load it up. But the stuff ain't cheap.

Absorption is a good thing, but you will only realize just so much isolation from its use. In contrast, a second sheet of drywall would provide dramatically larger benefits. Much much better place to put your $$.

Ted,

Thanks for the reply. Here's the thing. I only needed to get 150 linear feet of R-30, which was right about $150. I'm guessing support straps will be a minimal purchase. If I took it back today (it's snowing pretty hard here.. yea, sucks) and exchanged it for R-19, I'm looking at maybe a $40 savings. Other than the installation hassle, is it really worth it?

Drywall is going in at the end of this week, and yea, I'm doing two layers. I'm just wondering if I should take this stuff back or not.

For $40, I'd keep it and use it. Technically, it's better, practically it's not. But if it were me, I'd keep on keepin' on.

Ted,

Thanks again for the reply. Yea, considering it's a relatively small area, I guess I can suck it up with regards to the additional labor.

i went with unfaced r-25 for my HT ceiling. Menards was running a sale and the price was the same as r19. i used the metal tension rods to secure the insulation in some spots, but for the most part it held in place just fine with nothing.

i put up faced r13 in the ceiling for the rest of the basement and honestly i did not think it was any easier or harder to deal with.

later.

I think it's only marginally more difficult to install R30 than R13. Likely a small difference to the installer for labor. That wasn't my point as much as just the raw cost of the material itself. Big difference there.