Add Insulation To Attic
Check outlets on all floors as well as old and new parts of your house. If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself.
Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.
Add insulation to attic. Typically houses in warm-weather states should have an R-38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have R-49. Start by installing temporary lighting such as clip lights and laying a few sturdy boards along the joists to create a walkway. Measure the length and width of the attic.
Follow the manufacturers on-package recommendation for R-value based on your geographic. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. For DIY attic insulation youve got two choices.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Just because you find insulation in one wall doesnt mean that its everywhere in the house. Attic insulation is installed in the floor of the attic so youll need to do a few things to make the process straightforward.
Fiberglass Batt Attic Insulation Pros and Cons Fiberglass batts offer the easiest way to add attic insulation or just about any area of your home. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. For an uninsulated attic its important to install a vapour barrier on the interior side of your roof before filling it with insulation.
Putting faced insulation over old insulation in an attic is a big no-no because it will trap moisture and lead to long-term problems. How do I Add Insulation to Existing Attic Insulation. Any existing batt or roll insulation in your attic needs to have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
This happens as your HVAC system doesnt have to stay on nearly as long to reach the set temperature and fight the air flowing in through the attic costing you less money in energy bills. Cost-effective way to save energy with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is.
You can do it yourself for about 500. Multiply length by width to determine the attics area and the amount of. Make sure you dont block any ventilation areas.
But grabbing a bundle at the store and rolling it out takes little effort so people use them frequently. Opting to add new insulation across the attic might cost you more money upfront but youll reap the benefits in the long-term. Put on goggles and gloves to protect yourself while handling.
Similarly you must take care not to tack down or flatten any rolled insulation as doing so will compromise its effectiveness. The pros charge 1500 to 2000 to do a 1200-sq-ft. Add the Right Kind of Insulation When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.
You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists. Often people throw insulation into the attic which blocks the vents to the outside air turning the attic into a greenhouse. The attic is likely so hot because it has a lack of proper ventilation.
However typically batts offer the worst insulation performance for any job. Your insulation needs to be rolled out perpendicular to the joists and unfaced rolls used. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic.
In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air-conditioning equipment. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation. To add insulation to the attic floor you will require enough blanket material to do the job a heavy-duty shop vacuum plastic sheeting for covering the blanket material that will insulate the attic opening a heavy-duty staple gun and utility scissors with long blades.
When installing your batts make sure to fit them tightly end-to-end as gaps in the insulation can greatly reduce your R-value. Once youve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Check the depth using a tape measure.
It is possible to install batt or rolled insulation or blow in cellulose insulation on top of the old insulation. These insulation levels will keep heated air from migrating out in winter. I would first check if there are any vents that allow hot air to leave the attic.
How much does attic insulation cost. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice-versa.
Measure how much insulation you already have. Install Fiberglass Batts Over Existing Batt Insulation. How to Add Extra Insulation to an Attic 1.
See below for a shopping list and toolsSUBSCRIBE to This Old House. Lay a walkway.
