If you re finishing your attic insulating it to the proper r value can cause a dramatic loss of headroom if you limit yourself to fiberglass batts.
Small attic insulating tips.
Simply put insulating the attic will make your entire home more comfortable and energy efficient.
To upgrade attic insulation unroll the insulation with the paper side out.
However most older attics are under insulated so it s a good idea to raise the r value where possible.
A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house with insulation in the walls and ceiling.
To keep the blown in insulation from falling through the attic hatch opening make a 2x12 dam around the hatch perimeter.
To meet all three goals insulating your finished attic ventilating the roof and maximizing headroom use a combination of dense batt insulation rigid foam sheeting and air chutes.
The entire process of sealing your attic will be made easier if you take the time and effort to wear the right gear.
Here are eight diy tips for insulating your attic.
Existing insulation that fills gaps well and just needs to be topped off.
No matter how small your attic is what obstructions are in the space and what material is used it s recommended to make sure your space is properly air sealed and ventilated.
Grab a tape measure and a flashlight to see what kind of insulation you already have in the attic and how deep it is.
Install small pieces of insulation between the joists on the attic floor.
To cut a batt to size lay it on a piece of plywood.
Loose fill insulation is great for installing in attics with very little headroom and multiple obstructions such as vents and cross beams.
Above all be safe.
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.
It will expand to as much as 6 inches thick.
Insulation goes between roof and interior space if your attic is already finished it probably is at least partially insulated.
Many pipes wiring and other obstructions.
Then put a short length of 2x4 at the point where you want to cut put your foot on the 2x4 and lean on it to compress the fiberglass.
There are three types of insulation material fiberglass rock wool and cellulose.
Be sure to install insulation on the attic walls and ceiling.
Don t worry if the fiberglass batt insulation at the home center seems to be too thin.
Additionally a lightweight disposable coverall gloves and hat can keep itchy and irritating insulation off your skin.
Then use the numbers in the chart at right to estimate its r value.
Wear knee pads to help prevent pain associated with crawling on attic joists.
Pull up and dispose of any material that s compressed water stained or moldy it s useless.
