Adding Attic Insulation Diy

You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists.

Adding attic insulation diy.

Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. Keep adding layers until you get to r 38. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. To install it just lay it across the joists.

If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself. Typically houses in warm weather states should have an r 38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have r 49. Choose your insulation type and material 1. Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps.

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. Mother s researchers show homesteaders how to make and install your own insulation creating a low cost good quality insulation using newspapers and a farm type hammermill. 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.

These insulation levels will keep heated air from migrating out in winter. Use the fire blocking type. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa. 3 have a friend add material to the hopper.

In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. You can do it yourself for about 500. It needs to be unfaced.

The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft. If you already have six inches of insulation and you want to get to the recommended r 38 add an attic blanket it s also made of fiberglass but it has no paper backing. 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. If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing.

Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing.