Table of Contents
What is the best way to insulate an attic?
Many people consider fiberglass batt to be the best attic insulation. It consists of plastic reinforced by small glass fibers. The batt version comes in blanket form — i.e., small, pre-cut sections that you can lay down wherever you need to.
Can I insulate my attic myself?
For DIY attic insulation, you’ve got two choices: loose fill or batt (the common term for blanket insulation). Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Once you’ve decided which type is best for you, examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
Should your attic ceiling be insulated?
A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house, with insulation in the walls and ceiling. 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.
Is adding insulation to attic worth it?
According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating the attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill. For many homeowners, insulating the attic is the most effective method to save on energy costs.
How thick should the insulation be in an attic?
R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Can you put too much insulation in attic?
It’s possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.
Can you lay insulation over electrical wires in attic?
Yes, you absolutely can. You can lay insulation around the junction boxes as well. Making sure that the insulation is of a fiberglass material will not only ensure a fireproof setup but also reduce airflow from the home through the attic.
Should I insulate the underside of my roof?
Air flow helps to stave off the formation of various wood eating molds and mildews. Just packing R-30 insulation against the underside of your roof deck will insulate it but do nothing to dissipate the inevitable moisture that will be trapped within the insulation.
Should I remove old attic insulation before adding new?
Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement. So, by have attic insulation removal service, you are getting rid of those possible issues.
Is it better to insulate attic ceiling or floor?
roof insulation is no-contest. The floor wins every time. Insulating the floor is standard practice for an unfinished attic space. The exception to this rule takes place when families opt to convert an unfinished attic space into something usable or livable.
How much does it cost to insulate a 1500 sq ft attic?
How much does it cost to insulate a 1,500 sq ft attic? With average costs ranging from around $1 per sq ft to $5 per sq ft (excluding structural insulation panels as these are best for new installations) expect to pay from $1,500 to $7,500 to insulate a 1,500 sq ft attic.
What R value do I need in attic?
Depending on where you live and the part of your home you’re insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you’ll need a different R-Value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.
How do you insulate a ceiling with exposed rafters?
If your structure does not need to be well insulated, you can simply sandwich a layer of aluminum foil insulation or rigid foam between your finish ceiling and a layer of sheathing. Place the sheathing layer on top of the insulation and secure it with nails that pass through the insulation into the rafters.
Should I use spray foam insulation in my attic?
“Open-cell foam can only be put in dark areas such as an attic or behind walls,” Harris said. Closed-cell spray foam is a better choice for keeping subfloor moisture at optimal levels, while open-cell spray foam is a better choice for walls and attics, because it allows homes to “breathe.”Dec 4, 2019.
Can you add new insulation over old?
According to ENERGY STAR®, you can put new insulation over old insulation, “unless it is wet. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
Can you put batt insulation over blown in?
A: There’s no problem with installing fiberglass batts over your existing blown-in insulation. The reason for this precaution is that the facing on the insulation batts is a vapor barrier, which is intended to prevent moisture vapor from penetrating into the insulation.
How often should attic insulation be replaced?
How often should attic insulation be changed? Even though attic insulation is said to last anywhere from 80 years to 100 years, it does lose effectiveness as its ages. Insulation experts recommend replacing after 15 years to assure it is doing the job you need it to.
What can I use instead of insulation?
Cellulose spray is made from recycled paper products, primarily newsprint, and is the most environmentally friendly insulation option out there, with a recycled material content of 85%.Non-Fiberglass Spray Insulation Icynene. Soy. Cellulose. Polystyrene.
