Additional Insulation In Attic

Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live.

Additional insulation in attic.

Insulation that is wet compressed or scattered loses its heat resisting ability and should be replaced or enhanced. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. Material cost includes dump fee. According to the u s. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.

Most attics are insulated with blown in loose cellulose r 3 5 per inch blown in loose fiberglass r 2 5 per inch or fiberglass batts r 3 2 per inch. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Depending on the difficulty of your job the size of your attic and the type of insulation material you. Transfer existing loose fill insulation into container and dispose of responsibly off premise.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Multiply the number of inches of insulation by the r value per inch. 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. Expect to pay an additional 85 per hour for this service.

In some cases you may also need the expertise of an electrician to safely insulate around junction boxes or cables. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face. Additional precautions steps and costs for asbestos insulation are not included. Add the right kind of insulation. For up to 1 foot thick layer of fiberglass wool and cellulose insulation only.

Inspecting your attic insulation. Expect to pay an attic insulation installer about 70 per hour. Department of energy fibgerglass batts have an r value of 3 2 per inch while loose fill fiberglass. Cellulose is recycled newsprint treated with a fire.