Proper Way To Insulate Attic Ceiling

How to put insulation in a ceiling before drywall.

Proper way to insulate attic ceiling.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. If you don t have an attic however there is. Your home needs at least some type of insulation to keep the interior temperature of your home regulated regardless of the specific climate you live in. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Typical ceiling insulation involves spreading either loose fill or batt the term commonly used for blanket insulation within the attic or airspace of a home. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Sprayed against the underside of the roof deck it seals against air movement eliminating the need for a vapor barrier or ventilation. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

See below for a shopping list and tools. With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable. This old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor demonstrate the proper way to insulate an attic. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

When tom insulates a cathedral ceiling or a finished attic he also turns to foam. But its open cell structure still allows moisture to escape. That means insulating the attic floor only not the walls and having vents in the roof. Illustration by ian worpole.

Insulate and air seal any knee walls vertical walls with attic space directly behind them in your home as well. 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. 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.

How to insulate a finished attic. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. If it is located in a conditioned part of the house also remember to insulate and air seal your attic access. If you have an attic there are quick ways to insulate the ceiling from above after drywalling it.