In this video this old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor explain how to insulate an attic.
Proper way to insulate an attic.
Insulating the attic is a surefire way to warm your home this winter.
While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic.
Since home insulation changes the way attics and crawlspaces breathe it s critical that you maintain or install proper ventilation fig.
So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.
The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.
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.
How to insulate a finished attic.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.
When you insulate attics and crawlspaces you ve got to vent them too.
Insulation level are specified by r value.
A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house with insulation in the walls and ceiling.
Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation.
Before insulating seal any air leaks and make roof and other necessary repairs.
Insulate and air seal any knee walls vertical walls with attic space directly behind them in your home as well.
But other home maintenance tasks can also defend your house and all of its inhabitants from chilly weather and blustering winds.
If it is located in a conditioned part of the house also remember to insulate and air seal your attic access.
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.
That means insulating the attic floor only not the walls and having vents in the roof.
With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable.