Adding Attic Insulation Diy

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.

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. 3 have a friend add material to the hopper. 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. 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.

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

The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft. To install it just lay it across the joists. Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. Typically houses in warm weather states should have an r 38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have r 49.

To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself. 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.

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. In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. 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. How much does attic insulation cost.

Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps. You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists. Use the fire blocking type. Keep adding layers until you get to r 38.

Loose fill insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement.