More Fluff - Part 2

Well, it's been just 2 days since we added the attic insulation. I had no expectations to see any difference until we received our electric bill in a few weeks. However, I think we have observed a few differences....

1. We keep our bedroom pretty cool. By the time we go to bed at 10pm, my thermometer reads 57 degrees. This is usually true when the outside temperature is anywhere between 0 and 35 degrees. However, last night and tonight, the temperature in the bedroom is a whopping 61 degrees. I have tried to turn down the thermostat, but the temperature does not drop. This is good.

2. In the kitchen, the temperature usually hovers around 61 or 62 in the evening time. Tonight, we it didn't drop below 64 degrees.

Thus, I know the insulation is working as it should. I am simply surprised we can tell a difference so soon. More data to come....

More Fluff

Our attic insulation iss been pretty thin. I estimate we have about 6 to 8 inches spread unevenly through out the attic. At an R-value of approximately 3.1 per inch, this equates to an R-Value of 18 to 24.

The minimum R-value for new construction is R-39. It is recommended that if you blow in insulation for an existing house to go up to at least R-49. So, we decided to take advantage of the tax rebate this year and put in some more fluff.


Our roof pitch is pretty low profile, so the attic is difficult to maneuver through. I had thought about blowing in insulation myself, but that would be a horrible job. I decided pretty early on the only way to go would be through a contractor that specializes in such a chore.

I got a couple of quotes, for a couple of different thicknesses. I chose to go with a more expensive quote, for the contractor seemed to know his stuff. I also opted for the thicker of the 2 options he gave us. The option we went with is for an additional 18 inches of insulation. That, right there, is approximately R-54, so add to that the existing few inches of insulation, and we definitely have some major insulation overkill. Here are a few descriptive before and after shots:

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Exhibit C:

Exhibit D:

We should see a major savings in our electric bill, for our heat is produced from electric baseboard heaters. I find it kind of weird to look forward to the next electric bill, and to compare it to the previous 3 years.

My Invention

I invented a new thing: A Skate.

This is a tool I use to move and store my snowblade for my John Deere 316.


I had been moving it around by just lifting it up, but I'm not getting any younger these days. I made this skate to allow for easier moving, but it turns out that it makes for easier installation, too.


I used scrap OSB and 2 x 4s. The only thing I purchased were 3 casters at Menards for $1.49 each. So, for just under $5, my back has been saved and I can install the snowblade twice as fast.

I made two skates: one for this snowblade, and one for the snowblower. It sure is nice to move things around the shop without skuffing up the floor.