Adding Insulation To Existing Attic

Attic hatch or door.

Adding insulation to existing attic.

Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. This is because your original insulation r value most likely has dropped from recommended 60 to 20 30.

To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below. Blown in insulation overview. By adding insulation to the attic with existing insulation pros and cons read more. Use unfaced batts especially if reinsulating over existing insulation.

You can do it yourself for about 500. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic. Whether you live in a warm weather state as i do or in a cooler northern climate it s hard to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check if you don t have adequate insulation in the attic. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120.

Installing batts and rolls in attics is fairly easy but doing it right is very important. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. Remember that it is important to seal up air leaks between your living space and the attic before adding insulation in your attic.

Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. So this thickness does not stop or prevent your home from heat loss. In case you have had your attic insulation installed more than 15 to 20 years ago it is advisable to get it replaced.

Adding insulation to an existing home. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.

Inspecting and evaluating your insulation. Pull down stair or ladder.