Believe it or not there are situations in a home when you should remove the old attic insulation before adding more over the existing and in this short video.
Attic insulation over do it.
Loose fill insulation is great for installing in attics with very little headroom and multiple obstructions such as vents and cross beams.
Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed can lights unless they are rated ic insulated ceiling.
Add the right kind of insulation.
See install batt and roll insulation for details.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
Foil radiant barrier does not cause moisture.
You can do it yourself for about 500.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
Lay the radiant barrier foil loosely over the attic insulation.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
Also when laying down additional insulation work from the perimeter toward the attic opening.
The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.
There are two main types of insulation.
Measure the depth of your current insulation.
Loose fill blown in insulation is best for tight spaces or if your attic already has a layer of insulation.
Cellulose insulation has an average thermal value of r 3 7 so you d need just over five inches to equal an r 19 batt.
R 38 is the industry standard and the minimum thickness for r 38 is 12 inches.
Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents.
Calculate additional insulation needed.
Ideally you want about 10 20 surface contact with the foil.
Batt and roll insulation and loose fill sometimes known as blown in insulation.
If you are using loose fill insulation use sheet metal or wire.
How much does attic insulation cost.
The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft.
If you do have insulation find out the type and compare it to industry standards.
If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself.
When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your.
Blown in insulation overview.
It can be effectively blown over existing insulation and.
A bag of cellulose runs about 11 50 and will cover 36 7 square feet at a.
Your insulation will have some peaks and valleys and this is desirable.
Do not press into the insulation.