Insulating Attic Over Existing Insulation

Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.

Insulating attic over existing insulation.

To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below 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. Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and. Install fiberglass batts over existing batt insulation. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.

Install or repair vent chutes. Put on goggles and gloves to protect yourself while handling. In this case the area behind the knee wall will be uncomfortably hot or cold. Add the right kind of insulation when adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.

If only the living space will be insulated wrap the insulation around the room s walls and ceiling and then continue along the floor of the non living space. How do i add insulation to existing attic insulation. Position the new vent chute so the. A quick rule of thumb is that you should have a vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation.

Check the depth using a tape measure. Blown in insulation fills between existing wall studs and ceiling joists quickly and easily. Pull the existing insulation away from the roof. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement.

More insulation installation tricks and tips work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just. Blown in insulation in the attic seal attic bypasses. An un insulated attic should have some airflow to prevent humidity from building up in the winter which could condense and form ice. Another benefit of the ventilation is that it will keep your attic cooler in the summer as well as your house.

Measure how much insulation you already have. Pull back the existing insulation and use expanding spray foam the fire blocking type to seal any. During new construction batt insulation thick strips of spun fiberglass or a paper based product is cut. 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.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.