Attic Insulation Over Old Insulation

Best of all insulation is relatively easy to install and the average attic can be completed over the course of a weekend.

Attic insulation over old insulation.

Install siding over the insulation. 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. But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous. Find your zone on the map and then use the above insulation r value chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Insulation levels are specified by r value.

Add the right kind of insulation. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. This is probably the easiest method to install radiant barrier atticfoil is to lay the foil out over the existing insulation on the attic floor.

Attach 1 inch foam board insulation. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below. Caulk window trim and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks.

Believe it or not there are situations in a home when you should remove the old attic insulation before adding more over the existing and in this short video. When the time comes to sell your home a well insulated attic is a plus. Apply a house wrap vapor barrier to exterior walls. Replace old windows with energy efficient units.

Laying foil over on top of insulation on the attic floor. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.

One way to insulate walls of an old house is to focus on the home s exterior. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.