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.
Is it better to insulate attic ceiling or floor?
Because a large volume of indoor heat is lost through the ceiling, the attic floor above is considered the most important area in the house to insulate for winter comfort and efficiency. During summer, attic insulation also protects against excessive heat gain radiating down through the ceiling into rooms below.
When insulating an attic what should be insulated?
1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space.
Should you insulate attic roof rafters?
Insulating between rafters will do no good, because the attic should be ventilated, and the rafter insulation would be between two unheated spaces. Moisture buildup in the attic is a concern because it can condense into water, often causing mold. Good ventilation, from soffit vents and a ridge vent, will stop that.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is R 19 insulation Good for attic?
R19 is better than R0. So, if this is the best you can do, go for it. However, most code ask for R21 in Wall, so this is certainly a pretty low value. The reason they ask/recommand for so much in the Ceiling is because it is generally easy to do.
How do you insulate attic in hot climate?
There are two main types of insulation used in attics. In a hot climate zone like southern Arizona, for example, we typically recommend blown-in fiberglass and radiant barrier. Blown-in fiberglass insulation provides a dense, effective barrier against heat loss that is also among the greenest insulation options.
Can attic insulation touch the roof?
Attic insulation should not touch the roof. Although it can be tempting to over insulate, resist the urge. Too much insulation hinders airflow and can keep excess moisture from escaping, especially in attics.
Is it OK to spray foam 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.
How often should you insulate your attic?
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.
How much of a difference does attic insulation make?
One of the places in your home where a little bit of attention can make a big difference in your comfort — and heating bill — is the attic. According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating the attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill.
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 much R-value do I need in attic?
For homes in California, the attic should achieve an R-value between R-30 and R-60. Most areas of the country have a higher minimum R-value recommendation, but just about everywhere recommends up to R-60.
