How Install Insulation In Attic

If installing fiberglass mats start by laying the mats at the furthest point from the attic access.

How install insulation in attic. When installing the insulation in wood frame structures you fold out the flange and staple it to the side or front edge of the framing to secure the insulation. The pros often use spray foam insulation or blow shredded insulation. Next any stored belongings or debris in the attic are removed and stored in a safe location that is out of the way. Installing attic insulation requires first preparing the surfaces around the attic entry to ensure that any contaminants in the attic aren t spread throughout the home.

Create a barrier before blowing in your insulation you ll need to create a barrier to keep the insulation from falling into areas where you don t want it like your walkway or down the attic hatch. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. There are many different ways to install insulation. Begin laying in the insulation starting at an area farthest from the attic access image 1.

Install the second layer top layer perpendicular to attic framing members. Determine the type of insulation needed for your attic. When installing multiple layers of insulation for optimal thermal performance install the first layer bottom layer parallel to attic framing members and flush with both bottom and top. If installing shredded insulation fill the attic space at least 15 inches high with insulation.

All kraft faced insulation is easy to cut with a sharp utility knife or insulation knife. The facing has a tab called a flange running along each side edge of the insulation. Old insulation is removed and the attic space is cleaned out. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic.

In this video this old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor explain how to insulate an attic. Whether using loose fill or batts put the vapor barrier closest to the warm side of your installation where hot moist air would get in facing the house s interior in cold climates beneath floor insulation and the attic s interior in hot climates on top of floor insulation. When you reach the end of a line pull the insulation back slightly then place it on a joist so there is a solid surface to cut on. Commonly used for diy projects they work well in open spaces like attic floors.