Proper Way To Insulate Attic Ceiling

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.

Proper way to insulate attic ceiling.

Sprayed against the underside of the roof deck it seals against air movement eliminating the need for a vapor barrier or ventilation. If you have an attic there are quick ways to insulate the ceiling from above after drywalling it. Before insulating seal any air leaks and make roof and other necessary repairs. See below for a shopping list and tools.

When tom insulates a cathedral ceiling or a finished attic he also turns to foam. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. That means insulating the attic floor only not the walls and having vents in the roof. If you don t have an attic however there is.

Insulation level are specified by r value. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. How to insulate a finished attic. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Your home needs at least some type of insulation to keep the interior temperature of your home regulated regardless of the specific climate you live in. Insulate and air seal any knee walls vertical walls with attic space directly behind them in your home as well. Typical ceiling insulation involves spreading either loose fill or batt the term commonly used for blanket insulation within the attic or airspace of a home. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable. This old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor demonstrate the proper way to insulate an attic.

How to put insulation in a ceiling before drywall. If it is located in a conditioned part of the house also remember to insulate and air seal your attic access. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Illustration by ian worpole.