Attic Insulation Over Old Insulation

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

Attic insulation over old insulation.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Install siding over the insulation. Laying foil over on top of insulation on the attic floor. One way to insulate walls of an old house is to focus on the home s exterior.

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. Replace old windows with energy efficient units. Attach 1 inch foam board insulation. Apply a house wrap vapor barrier to exterior walls.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. This is probably the easiest method to install radiant barrier atticfoil is to lay the foil out over the existing insulation on the attic floor. One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.

Add the right kind of insulation. Although insulation professionals will handle the installation for you here are some things to keep in mind about removing old insulation and installing new insulation over old insulation according to energy star. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. 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.

These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. Best of all insulation is relatively easy to install and the average attic can be completed over the course of a weekend. To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below. Caulk window trim and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. 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. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. This method can be used in any climate though it historically has been most popular in colder climates.