Proper Insulation Installation In Attic

In most climates it needs a vapor barrier.

Proper insulation installation in attic.

Attic insulation requires special equipment and adequate ventilation. Use our roll insulation calculator to estimate how much roll or batt insulation you ll need. Set a t square or metal straightedge over the insulation and press it down firmly. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor.

Don t push batt or blanket insulation past the top plate at the end of joist runs. Fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install. To install insulation batts and blankets. Cut the insulation roll or batt to fit the length of the framing cavity if necessary.

This includes the cost of professional installation and any necessary electric work. The paper facing on insulation has an asphalt layer which acts as a vapor barrier. Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation.

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. Or fold it back and up between the rafters. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. If you re insulating framed walls make sure the insulation is the correct thickness for your wall studs.

The basic installation steps are the same for walls ceilings floors and roofs in wood frame houses. 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. Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. If using insulation with a vapor retardant facing install the material with the vapor retardant side down.

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

Place the insulation with the facing side down on a piece of scrap plywood. Diy home repairs are becoming more popular but this is one job you should leave to the professionals. Add insulation to attic.