Adding Attic Insulation Diy

When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.

Adding attic insulation diy.

You can do it yourself for about 500. Choose your insulation type and material 1. 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. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa.

You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself. How much does attic insulation cost.

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. Keep adding layers until you get to r 38. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing. Loose fill insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special.

The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft. 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 use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing. Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps.

3 have a friend add material to the hopper. To install it just lay it across the joists. 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.

It needs to be unfaced. Use the fire blocking type. In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days.

Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation.