By adding insulation to your attic you ll not only reduce your monthly utility bills but also enjoy improved energy efficiency and greater comfort throughout the year.
Adding insulation to walls from attic.
Of home insulation you add to a bare ceiling or wall will yield huge savings.
If your attic has enough insulation and proper air sealing and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls.
Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.
So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.
Find your zone on the map and then use the above insulation r value chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.
Will increase energy savings but not to as great a degree.
The first 3 in.
Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic.
Attic hatch or door.
Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.
Only a cost benefit analysis in relation to your own situation can help you arrive at the right answer.
This is more expensive and usually requires a contractor but it may be worth the cost especially if you live in a very cold climate.
Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door.
The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.
Adding another 3 in.
You can do it yourself for about 500.
Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120.
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.
Pull down stair or ladder.
Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.
Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement.
Retrofit wall insulation is a debatable subject because there is no single right answer for all homes and homeowners.
Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work.
The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.
These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation.
Blown in insulation overview.