Adding Attic Insulation Diy

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.

Adding attic insulation diy.

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. In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. 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. These insulation levels will keep heated air from migrating out in winter.

Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps. It needs to be unfaced. 3 have a friend add material to the hopper. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement.

Typically houses in warm weather states should have an r 38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have r 49. 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. Keep adding layers until you get to r 38. How much does attic insulation cost.

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. Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing. To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days.

Choose your insulation type and material 1. 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. You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.

Loose fill insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special. Use the fire blocking type. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing. To install it just lay it across the joists.

If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself. You can do it yourself for about 500.