Charlie:
Patty, from Katy.
Tom:
Hello, Patty.
Charlie:
She has a house that was built in the ’80s. A roof was put on by Ideal Roofing about 15 years ago, so we know that was done right. It has a ridge vent but now she says, I think I’m in need of insulation because this insulation guy came out and said she needed more and needs a radiant barrier and two solar powered attic fans as well. She says, I agree with the insulation and the radiant barrier. He’s going to use Heatblock Ultra, but I don’t know so much about the solar powered ceiling fan. What say you, Tom?
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Tom:
I don’t know how much insulation she has. In the ’80s it’s probably a little substandard, but if he’s trying to sell her an R38 to 42 to 45. That’s not a good thing. You should have an R30, which is about 12 to 14 inches of insulation. She can measure that herself. Radiant barrier, if you don’t have one you need one, period. That’s just a no brainer. As far as the attic vents go, no I wouldn’t do it. Anytime you call somebody out, they’re going to try to sell you all kinds of packages. It’s just the way it is. It’s good business for some people.
Charlie:
I mean there are times when one of those makes sense aren’t there?
Tom:
Well yeah, if you’re putting on a new roof and you’re dealing with a roofer that says, hey we can’t use ridge vents. You don’t have a roof set up like that…..
Yeah, then you know of course, but it sounds like hers will be fine. Especially an ’80s house, probably be all right.
Charlie:
I’m betting it’s a nice long run on that roof.
Tom:
Yeah, that’s why Ideal put the ridge vent on.