How to add extra insulation to an attic.
How hard to work in attic after adding extra insulation.
Adding more insulation is almost always a good long term investment but before i would trust a sales pitch from a door to door vendor i would investigate alternate routes.
The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.
Blown in insulation overview.
The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.
To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below.
How much does attic insulation cost.
Warm spaces have less condensation risk than colder space so when you add insulation to the attic floor you re intentionally blocking some of that heat from keeping the attic warm.
Find a diagram of common air leaks here.
Whether you live in a warm weather state as i do or in a cooler northern climate it s hard to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check if you don t have adequate insulation in the attic.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Gaps in the attic or between the lower floors and the attic will let heated or cooled air escape to the great unconditioned outdoors making any insulation you add essentially useless.
This makes the attic colder and a colder attic with moisture leaking from the house can result in condensation mold and wood rot.
When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your.
According to the u s.
An adequately insulated attic reduces your home s energy costs by keeping warm air in during the winter and hot air out during the summer.
Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work.
I have checked and the room is fully insulated i e.
If a diy project costs to simply add a layer of r 13 or r19 23 fiber glass blanket over my existing insulation assuming it is also f g blanket style.
You can do it yourself for about 500.
Currently i would estimate that there is r 22 insulation in the ceiling of the room and i could fairly easily access the attic and.
Multiply the number of inches of insulation by the r value per inch.
If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself.
Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation.
To determine whether you should add insulation.
Inspecting and evaluating your insulation.
Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement.
Add the right kind of insulation.