Putting Insulation In Attic

What is the right insulation for an attic.

Putting insulation in attic. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Inspecting your attic insulation. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable.

Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and to prevent thermal bridging the heat loss that occurs through the wood framing. Direct the blower away from the baffles and attic stairs to minimize cleanup. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home.

Air migrates from warmer spaces toward colder spaces and insulation is designed to help prevent or at least slow that migration. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Spray insulation to the corners and perimeter of the attic first working your way into the center. They didn t use enough insulation and they didn t seal up the attic bypasses or put in vent chutes olson says it s also common for older insulation to settle over time.

Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face. To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below. Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.

But you can blow cellulose over whatever kind of insulation is already there and this is a great diy project for someone who doesn t mind working up a sweat. Whether you live in a warm weather state as i do or in a cooler northern climate it s hard to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check if you don t have adequate insulation in the attic. Work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just put in. How to insulate a finished attic.