Adding Attic Insulation Diy

When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.

Adding attic insulation diy.

3 have a friend add material to the hopper. In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. If you already have six inches of insulation and you want to get to the recommended r 38 add an attic blanket it s also made of fiberglass but it has no paper backing. The structural elements are usually exposed in these areas which makes it easy to see what type of insulation you have and to measure its depth or thickness inches.

Use the fire blocking type. Mother s researchers show homesteaders how to make and install your own insulation creating a low cost good quality insulation using newspapers and a farm type hammermill. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing. You can do it yourself for about 500.

Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. These insulation levels will keep heated air from migrating out in winter. Block all vents in the attic floor with baffles making sure to extend the baffles at least four inches above the planned thickness of your insulation.

Use caulk and expanding foam the fire blocking type sealant to close air gaps around pipes ducts and electrical wires where they enter the attic. Keep adding layers until you get to r 38. It needs to be unfaced. If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing.

Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa. Choose your insulation type and material 1. To add insulation to the attic floor you will require enough blanket material to do the job a heavy duty shop vacuum plastic sheeting for covering the blanket material that will insulate the attic opening a heavy duty staple gun and utility scissors with long blades.

How much does attic insulation cost. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft. To install it just lay it across the joists. Loose fill insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special.

You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation.