Proper Insulation Installation In Attic

Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings.

Proper insulation installation in attic.

You only want one vapor barrier in your attic and it should be as close to the ceiling as possible to prevent warm moist air from coming up from the heated house and condensing when it hits the cold air in the attic. Or fold it back and up between the rafters. On average an attic insulation project costs between 1 50 and 3 50 per square foot. Fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install.

Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. The basic installation steps are the same for walls ceilings floors and roofs in wood frame houses. But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates. If using insulation with a vapor retardant facing install the material with the vapor retardant side down.

Ensure ends of insulation are butted together and flush to underside of framing. In most climates it needs a vapor barrier. Measure between joists if insulating a floor or attic or studs if insulating unfinished walls to find the correct width for the insulation. The paper facing on insulation has an asphalt layer which acts as a vapor barrier.

Or pour fill insulation into such areas. Begin at a wall and work toward the center of the attic floor or the entryway carefully placing insulation between joists and ensuring a snug fit. If you re insulating framed walls make sure the insulation is the correct thickness for your wall studs. Friction fit insulation snugly between and parallel to all standard and narrow attic framing members.

Use our roll insulation calculator to estimate how much roll or batt insulation you ll need. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. To install insulation batts and blankets. Place the insulation with the facing side down on a piece of scrap plywood.

Don t push batt or blanket insulation past the top plate at the end of joist runs. Set a t square or metal straightedge over the insulation and press it down firmly. Diy home repairs are becoming more popular but this is one job you should leave to the professionals. Attic insulation requires special equipment and adequate ventilation.

Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor. Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and is flush against any ventilation dams baffles. Add insulation to attic.