Simple thermal analysis reveals that if you have 5 missing insulation in an attic bare sheetrock you ll have a slightly more than a 54 drop in r value.
Disturbed insulation in attic.
Consider this statement from research titled zonolite attic insulation exposure studies where even the suggested method for removal by the manufacturer grace created a very unsafe condition.
How effective is your insulation.
When doing renovations additions what we normally do is use an electric leaf blower to blow the insulation to another area of the attic.
Even settling with age can render insulation ineffective.
Research demonstrating the dangers associated with disturbing vermiculite.
Insulation is disturbed for a variety of reasons.
Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne.
We do the repairs joints and than just blow it back.
It can also be installed in attics and walls of new homes with specialized machines.
R value simply means resistance to heat flow.
And these gaps leaks and other problems all can take its toll.
See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to this old house.
These thermal defects not only undermine the r value of your insulation but they also make rooms uncomfortable and increase your utility bill.