Adding 8nsullatio Tothe Attic
The structural elements are usually exposed in these areas which makes it easy to see what type of insulation you have and to measure its depth or thickness inches.
Adding 8nsullatio tothe attic. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. Batt or rolled insulation or blown loose fill insulation fiberglass or cellulose can be installed on top of old insulation. Turn off the power to the. Any existing batt or roll insulation in your attic needs to have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa. You can do it yourself for about 500. But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates.
Make sure you use an unfaced batt one without a paper or foil layer so the insulation does not trap moisture in the ceiling. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. Fortunately adding insulation to an attic is a task well within the ability of a competent do it yourselfer. 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.
How to install attic insulation over existing insulation wear a long sleeve shirt gloves eye protection and a dust mask. 1 measure the length and width of the attic. Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. Use unfaced batts only to avoid moisture problems.
It is possible to install batt or rolled insulation or blow in cellulose insulation on top of the old insulation. You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists. Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.
When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. Inspect the exterior walls by using an electrical outlet. It needs to be unfaced.
Lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor. Insulation should be rolled out perpendicular to the joists and unfaced rolls should be used. If the space between your joists is already full of insulation add new insulation on top of the joists running the new.