Proper Way To Insulate An Attic

Insulation level are specified by r value.

Proper way to insulate an attic. That means insulating the attic floor only not the walls and having vents in the roof. If you re finishing your attic insulating it to the proper r value can cause a dramatic loss of headroom if you limit yourself to fiberglass batts. To meet all three goals insulating your finished attic ventilating the roof and maximizing headroom use a combination of dense batt insulation rigid foam sheeting and air chutes. Insulating the attic is a surefire way to warm your home this winter.

Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. At first it seems odd to add insulation for warmth and then purposely create ventilation holes for cold air to enter. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Before insulating seal any air leaks and make roof and other necessary repairs. But other home maintenance tasks can also defend your house and all of its inhabitants from chilly weather and blustering winds. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic. But if you ve got an unfinished attic giving it proper insulation is one of the simplest ways to keep a lid on your heating bill this season.

With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor explain how to insulate an attic. A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house with insulation in the walls and ceiling. Insulate and air seal any knee walls vertical walls with attic space directly behind them in your home as well.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. When you insulate attics and crawlspaces you ve got to vent them too.

How to insulate a finished attic.