In this video this old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor explain how to insulate an attic.
Where to insulate an attic.
You ll want to buy enough batting to lay at least 10 to 14 inches over the entire space.
2d extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows.
We love our diyers so take up our incentive to improve your attic insulation situation yourself.
In this case the area behind the knee wall will be uncomfortably hot or cold.
In this way you prevent the heat from the rooms below escaping to the attic rooms above.
Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation.
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.
It makes adding insulation to your attic a breeze.
Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.
Probably in more place than you think.
You get a free blown in machine rental with your insulation purchase.
In addition to walls and attics insulation should be installed in ceilings with unheated spaces basement walls floors above vented crawl spaces cathedral ceilings floors over unheated garages or porches knee walls and in between interior walls especially bathrooms as well as ceilings and floors.
At the same time the areas below the roof benefit from increased comfort both during the winter and the summer.
To insulate an attic get some batting made out of mineral wool fiberglass or recycled foam.
Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps.
Blown in insulation is installed using blowing machines.
Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor.
Use caulk and expanding foam the fire blocking type sealant to close air gaps around pipes ducts and electrical wires where they enter the attic.
Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing.
Get a free 24 hour blown in machine.
While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the 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.
Use the fire blocking type.
Insulating the attic floor.
In finished attic rooms with or without dormer insulate 2a between the studs of knee walls 2b between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof 2c and ceilings with cold spaces above.
Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old.
So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.