Diy Insulate An Attic

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Diy insulate an attic.

This type of insulation. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. Then secure the pillow with the duct tape. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. Insulation level are specified by r value. 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.

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. To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. This creates an insulated attic access door.

If you have an attic access panel in your ceiling and are concerned about heat loss don t despair. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. There are two basic ways to insulate a finished attic. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material.

Start by installing temporary lighting such as clip lights and laying a few sturdy boards along the joists to create a walkway. Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. By the end of the weekend you re going to be sore and tired.

Stack insulation batts on top of the duct tape so they extend about 1 in. In this case the area behind the knee wall will be uncomfortably hot or cold. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the 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.

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. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.