Insulating Attic Tips

By the end of the weekend you re going to be sore and tired.

Insulating attic tips. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. If the attic is used as a living space say a home office or play room the insulation should be placed between the rafters. In attics vapor barrier on insulation should face down toward the living space. Use a chef s knife to cut batts.

If the attic is unfinished the insulation should be installed on the floor. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. While your entire house should be insulated there s arguably no more important place to install insulation than in the attic. Pull down stair or ladder.

But saving 1 000 or more with blown in ceiling insulation will make up for your aching back. Insulating a finished attic there are two basic ways to insulate a finished 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. Find out how much insulation should be in an attic and get some tips about this easy upgrade.

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. Since warm air has a tendency to rise and cool air to fall insulating the attic is the place to start. Cut slits in the vapor barrier to allow moisture to escape. Some pros prefer it to utility knives because the large blade easily slices through the thick material.

One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. Start by installing temporary lighting such as clip lights and laying a few sturdy boards along the joists to create a walkway. During winter attic insulation keeps heated room air from escaping up into the attic and in summer insulation prevents hot attic air from heating up the living spaces below.

Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps. Check the attic to make sure the insulation is installed properly. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing.

Tips on increasing attic insulation efficiency houses can lose a lot of heat through the attic space. Insulation levels are specified by r value. Use the fire blocking type. In this case the area behind the knee wall will be uncomfortably hot or cold.