Proper Insulation Installation In Attic

Attic insulation requires special equipment and adequate ventilation.

Proper insulation installation in attic.

Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. Add insulation to attic. If using insulation with a vapor retardant facing install the material with the vapor retardant side down. If you re insulating framed walls make sure the insulation is the correct thickness for your wall studs.

Fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install. Diy home repairs are becoming more popular but this is one job you should leave to the professionals. Cut the insulation roll or batt to fit the length of the framing cavity if necessary. 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.

Use our roll insulation calculator to estimate how much roll or batt insulation you ll need. Ensure ends of insulation are butted together and flush to underside of framing. Measure between joists if insulating a floor or attic or studs if insulating unfinished walls to find the correct width for the insulation. The basic installation steps are the same for walls ceilings floors and roofs in wood frame houses.

Friction fit insulation snugly between and parallel to all standard and narrow attic framing members. On average an attic insulation project costs between 1 50 and 3 50 per square foot. Or pour fill insulation into such areas. Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and is flush against any ventilation dams baffles.

Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. The paper facing on insulation has an asphalt layer which acts as a vapor barrier. This includes the cost of professional installation and any necessary electric work.

To install insulation batts and blankets. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor. Begin at a wall and work toward the center of the attic floor or the entryway carefully placing insulation between joists and ensuring a snug fit. Or fold it back and up between the rafters.

You only want one vapor barrier in your attic and it should be as close to the ceiling as possible to prevent warm moist air from coming up from the heated house and condensing when it hits the cold air in the attic. Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. Don t push batt or blanket insulation past the top plate at the end of joist runs.