Proper Way To Insulate An Attic

At first it seems odd to add insulation for warmth and then purposely create ventilation holes for cold air to enter.

Proper way to insulate an attic.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Insulation level are specified by r value. A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house with insulation in the walls and ceiling.

It s a diy project you can tackle in a weekend and the savings you ll get add up every year says toh general contractor tom silva. That means insulating the attic floor only not the walls and having vents in the roof. To meet all three goals insulating your finished attic ventilating the roof and maximizing headroom use a combination of dense batt insulation rigid foam sheeting and air chutes. If you re finishing your attic insulating it to the proper r value can cause a dramatic loss of headroom if you limit yourself to fiberglass batts.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Insulate and air seal any knee walls vertical walls with attic space directly behind them in your home as well. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic.

Before insulating seal any air leaks and make roof and other necessary repairs. When you insulate attics and crawlspaces you ve got to vent them too. But if you ve got an unfinished attic giving it proper insulation is one of the simplest ways to keep a lid on your heating bill this season. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor explain how to insulate an attic.

With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. But other home maintenance tasks can also defend your house and all of its inhabitants from chilly weather and blustering winds. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.

If it is located in a conditioned part of the house also remember to insulate and air seal your attic access.