This Old House Adding Attic Insulation

Laying a second layer of fiberglass batts in the attic is an easy way to boost r values.

This old house adding attic insulation.

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. Pull down stair or ladder. Before you begin the installation of insulation. How to insulate an old house.

If it s jammed too tightly into a cavity it can t trap as much air and won t be as effective. In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door. If you live in a newer house you can probably get this information from the builder.

If you live in an older house you ll have to inspect the insulation. This old house general contractor tom silva shows affordable ways to create an energy efficient attic how to know what insulation is behind your walls if you live in an older home understanding what pads your walls is essential to keeping your family safe. These insulation levels will keep heated air from migrating out in winter. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120.

Fill the gaps your insulated attic isn t necessarily a sealed attic. Typically houses in warm weather states should have an r 38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have r 49. Why the attic is key 1. Attic hatch or door.

Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic. Let s apply this knowledge to your. This old house general contractor tom silva explains the wide world of spray foam insulation how to install insulation learn how to beef up your wall s weather protection in 4 easy steps. Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation.