I was planning to remove the old insulation because it is compressed almost
flat as well as missing in some areas. If it's better to leave the old stuff
in I can do that but I am not worried about messy or hard work if the right
way is to remove the old and install all new insulation.

"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
...
Bruce E. Harang II wrote:
I have a house that was built in the 1950's and looks like it has the
original fiberglass insulation in the attic. I would like to take out
the old and install new insulation

Why remove the original fiberglass insulation? What do you want to
replace it with. It does not wear out.

but the joists are only 2x6's and
the recommended R-value for Connecticut is R-48 in the attic. I did
not know if I could toe-nail another 2x6 on top of the originals to
get me up to 11"

You could build a 2x6 platform over the existing structure and add
another 6 inches. I might suggest blown in as that tends to seal air
leaks
better.

so I can use some R-38. What other options do I
have? I want to keep the storage space up there so blown insulation
is not an option. This project was going to wait until this fall but
while installing some recessed lights in the kitchen I pulled back
some of the insulation in the attic and found quite a few termites or
flying ants. Now when the exterminator gets here I want to pull all
the insulation out of the attic so I can have the problem eradicated
without question.

If you get a good exterminator, I doubt if you will need to pull up
the
insulation. Let the exterminator decide. Make sure you get a good one
with
references and licensees and insurance. Then make sure he insures your
job.
The treatment for termites greatly depends on the type and the area you
are
in.

So it looks like I need a solution to my insulation
problem now instead of this fall. I also noticed that the 3/8"
drywall in the ceiling below the attic has a 1/2" black, fiber-like
material backing it. Is this a form of insulation and if so how would
I figure out it's R-value?

Any help would be wonderful!

Thanks,
Bruce

--
Joseph E. Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math