How To Add Extra Insulation To The Attic

To determine whether you should add insulation.

How to add extra insulation to the attic.

Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. Pull down stair or ladder. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Add the right kind of insulation.

Inspecting and evaluating your insulation. Blown in insulation overview. Consider adding more insulation as ductwork is farther from the furnace. If your rigid metal ductwork has any insulation it may already have enough.

Department of energy fibgerglass batts have an r value of 3 2 per inch while loose fill fiberglass. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement.

Attic hatch or door. 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. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face. Expect to pay an additional 85 per hour for this service.

You can do it yourself for about 500. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic. To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below.

Before you call a contractor however it s important to understand the options and costs involved. Adding insulation to an unfinished attic is one of the most effective ways to save money on your energy bills. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door. According to the u s.

How much does attic insulation cost. If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself. If it s uninsulated you should insulated it to at least r 4 to r 8 for dfw. Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation.

The cost and effort to add more insulation is minimal. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. 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.