Adding Attic Insulation Over Existing Insulation

The vapour retarder on top of or between layers will trap moisture.

Adding attic insulation over existing insulation.

The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Add the right kind of insulation. Measure how much insulation you already have. 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.

When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. Put on goggles and gloves to protect yourself while handling. Do not tack down any rolled insulation. Insulation should be rolled out perpendicular to the joists and unfaced rolls should be used.

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. Don t add faced insulation on top of your existing insulation because the vapor retarder in between layers leads to trapped moisture. When adding roll the insulation perpendicular to the joists not parallel. Adding rolled batt or blown in insulation over existing insulation is not a problem.

Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa.

How do i add insulation to existing attic insulation. Check the depth using a tape measure. Any existing batt or roll insulation in your attic needs to have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.

It needs to be unfaced. It is vital that any new batt or roll insulation that is installed over existing insulation in the attic be without vapour retarder. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.