Adding Attic Insulation Diy

To add insulation to the attic floor you will require enough blanket material to do the job a heavy duty shop vacuum plastic sheeting for covering the blanket material that will insulate the attic opening a heavy duty staple gun and utility scissors with long blades.

Adding attic insulation diy.

If you need to add insulation in your attic save big by blowing in cellulose insulation yourself. Choose your insulation type and material 1. It needs to be unfaced. If you already have six inches of insulation and you want to get to the recommended r 38 add an attic blanket it s also made of fiberglass but it has no paper backing.

Blowing attic insulation isn t hard but it s dusty sweaty work. How much does attic insulation cost. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.

The structural elements are usually exposed in these areas which makes it easy to see what type of insulation you have and to measure its depth or thickness inches. The pros charge 1 500 to 2 000 to do a 1 200 sq ft. To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days. 3 have a friend add material to the hopper.

Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing. You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists. Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps. Block all vents in the attic floor with baffles making sure to extend the baffles at least four inches above the planned thickness of your insulation.

Keep adding layers until you get to r 38. Typically houses in warm weather states should have an r 38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have r 49. If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing. Use caulk and expanding foam the fire blocking type sealant to close air gaps around pipes ducts and electrical wires where they enter the attic.

Use the fire blocking type. You can do it yourself for about 500. To install it just lay it across the joists. Mother s researchers show homesteaders how to make and install your own insulation creating a low cost good quality insulation using newspapers and a farm type hammermill.

One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. Loose fill insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special.