How To Add Extra Insulation To The Attic

Install fiberglass batts over existing batt insulation.

How to add extra insulation to the attic.

Use cardboard or rigid foam baffles to keep soffit vents open. Check the depth using a tape measure. Insulation should be rolled out perpendicular to the joists and unfaced rolls should be used. Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box.

For the center areas hold the hose level and blow in insulation evenly until you ve reached your level lines photo 6. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall. See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to this old house. Inspect the exterior walls by using an electrical outlet.

Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. How do i add insulation to existing attic insulation. Move across the attic until you ve hit your desired height at every point. Then pivot in place and do the same thing to the other side.

Put on goggles and gloves to protect yourself while handling. It needs to be unfaced. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. A tightly sealed house is just as important as insulation.

If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor. Fill all cracks between the living area and the attic with caulk or expanding foam.

How to add extra insulation to an attic. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help. Measure how much insulation you already have. Blow in insulation until the hopper is empty.

Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. Batt or rolled insulation or blown loose fill insulation fiberglass or cellulose can be installed on top of old insulation. An adequately insulated attic reduces your home s energy costs by keeping warm air in during the winter and hot air out during the summer. But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates.