How To Add Extra Insulation To The Attic

Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement.

How to add extra insulation to the attic. Blown in insulation overview. Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation. Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. Adding insulation to an unfinished attic is one of the most effective ways to save money on your energy bills.

The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. To determine whether you should add insulation. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic. Multiply the number of inches of insulation by the r value per inch.

Pull down stair or ladder. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing 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. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.

Department of energy fibgerglass batts have an r value of 3 2 per inch while loose fill fiberglass. 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. How to add extra insulation to an attic. Inspecting and evaluating your insulation.

If your rigid metal ductwork has any insulation it may already have enough. 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. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice.

How much does attic insulation cost. According to the u s. Expect to pay an additional 85 per hour for this service. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.

If it s uninsulated you should insulated it to at least r 4 to r 8 for dfw. Add the right kind of insulation. Consider adding more insulation as ductwork is farther from the furnace. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120.

Attic hatch or door. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door. The cost and effort to add more insulation is minimal. To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below.