beagle150

My home was built in 1955 and has perhaps 3" of insulation with a paper backing of some kind. I have some questions: 1# Is this a fire hazard if left alone? The person who gave me the quote told me this was a fire hazard. The attic is empty though there is some cardboard covering the insulation in spots. 2# He recommended removing the insulation in the attic and replacing with "Open Blow" (R30), installing baffles, etc. Cost $4820 and if we pay $250 for an energy star audit we can save 10% off that cost. Frankly that cost is huge in comparison with the previous estimate ($1200 over the existing insulation). 3# Is there a great deal of sense in Air Sealing crawl spaces and basements (includes sealing rim joist) ? - MClark

My home was recently inspected. The home inspector said that the bathroom fan which is vented into the attic adds pressure to the attic which in turn increases the moisture in the attic. This particular bathroom fan has not been used ... no showers have ever been taken in that bathroom. I never thought venting a fan into the attic was a good idea and so haven't used the bathroom fan nor has anyone showered in that bathroom. I will have the bathroom vented out through the roof as the roof needs to be torn off and replaced in the spring. In the meantime, I am wondering if it would be helpful ... to keep the moisture / humidity level down in the attic to cover the bathroom vent opening. Does this make sense?