Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration.
Over insulation attic.
What is the right insulation for an attic.
When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.
The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.
Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and.
More insulation installation tricks and tips work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just.
Cut around these items it does not have to be.
It needs to be unfaced.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Warnings for installing.
You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa.
Start in a far corner and start rolling out the foil over the insulation.
An un insulated attic should have some airflow to prevent humidity from building up in the winter which could condense and form ice.
It helps resist moisture that can lead to mold or mildew and provides increased sound and thermal insulation.
The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.
Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.
Supports braces and other obstacles.
It s often used over existing insulation in the attic where moisture control isn t needed.
Creating a moisture barrier.
One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation.
Over the insulation install start at the farthest corner.
Rolls batts or blown in insulation.
A quick rule of thumb is that you should have a vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment.
You can do it yourself for about 500.
The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.
Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic.
Alignment obstacles in the attic.
Try a spray foam insulation kit to fill cavities gaps cracks expansion joints and other sources of air leaks.
As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some.
To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days.
These insulation levels will keep heated air from migrating out in winter.
Insulation level are specified by r value.
If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing.
Typically houses in warm weather states should have an r 38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have r 49.
