Adding A Layer Of Insulation To Your Attic

The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.

Adding a layer of insulation to your attic.

Blown in insulation overview. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor. Please try again later. 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.

This is because your original insulation r value most likely has dropped from recommended 60 to 20 30. How much does attic insulation cost. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face. 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.

Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. For example if your attic already has fiberglass insulation blankets installed you can improve its r value by installing blown in cellulose insulation on top of the blankets.

Unless your home was specially constructed for energy efficiency you can probably reduce your energy bills by adding more insulation. Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.

You can do it yourself for about 500. Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. Stop using your attic for storage. The r values of both insulations will accumulate.

To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below. So this thickness does not stop or prevent your home from heat loss. In case you have had your attic insulation installed more than 15 to 20 years ago it is advisable to get it replaced. This feature is not available right now.

You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation.