Diy Insulate An Attic
Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work.
Diy insulate an attic. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Start by installing temporary lighting such as clip lights and laying a few sturdy boards along the joists to create a walkway.
Continue laying down the insulation making sure the batts are pressed tightly together at all edge and end joints. To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days. This creates an insulated attic access door. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
If you have an attic access panel in your ceiling and are concerned about heat loss don t despair. By the end of the weekend you re going to be sore and tired. If only the living space will be insulated wrap the insulation around the room s walls and ceiling and then continue along the floor of the non living space. There are two basic ways to insulate a finished attic.
Add the right kind of insulation when adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. While insulating your attic space with foam can be an effective way to lower heating costs you can use a simple reflective foil material as a cost effective alternative.
Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. This type of insulation. Then secure the pillow with the duct tape.
Insulation level are specified by r value. Stack insulation batts on top of the duct tape so they extend about 1 in. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic. By stapling the foil sheets to your attic roof rafters you can reflect the heat that hits the rafters back down into your home s living space.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Attic insulation is installed in the floor of the attic so you ll need to do a few things to make the process straightforward.