Attic Insulation Over Blown In
Blown in insulation in the attic seal attic bypasses.
Attic insulation over blown in. Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and to prevent thermal bridging the heat loss that occurs through the wood framing. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. If you choose loose fill insulation you ll need to rent a machine to install it. Batt insulation take time to read this column.
Install or repair vent chutes. The type of material you use is up to you. Batt insulation is available at home centers and lumberyards. Never stand on joists.
Position the new vent chute so the. Batt or rolled insulation or blown loose fill insulation fiberglass or cellulose can be installed on top of old insulation. Before choosing blown vs. We include blown in attic insulation pros and cons but we can t recommend blown in fiberglass or cellulose as your best insulating choice.
Cellulose is recycled newsprint treated with a fire retardant. Insulation should be rolled out perpendicular to the joists and unfaced rolls should be used. This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only. Recruit a helper.
Work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just put in. Blown in fiberglass is considered flame resistant. Someone needs to load the bags of insulation into the blower which will remain on the floor below. Insulation efficiently fills gaps.
Don t forget to factor in whether you will be renting a blow machine or hiring someone to do it for you. Loose fill blown in insulation is best for tight spaces or if your attic already has a layer of insulation that just needs to be topped off. Attic insulation is accomplished with either fiberglass blankets batt or blown in insulation. The cost of blown in insulation is determined by which material you decide on the r value needed and the space of your attic.
Blown in insulation requires a professional. Pull back the existing insulation and use expanding spray foam the fire blocking type to seal any. Materials can be layered for added protection. Most attics are insulated with blown in loose cellulose r 3 5 per inch blown in loose fiberglass r 2 5 per inch or fiberglass batts r 3 2 per inch.
Fiberglass is just that thin fibers of glass that trap air. Blowing in insulation is a messy prospect and you ll need to wear a dust mask protective eyewear. For an r value between 38 and 49 the average person spends about 1 50 each square foot. If you stand on joists in the.
Pull the existing insulation away from the roof. Click the button to calculate the depth in inches and pounds of total insulation required for this job.