Proper Way To Insulate Attic Ceiling

See below for a shopping list and tools.

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. Sprayed against the underside of the roof deck it seals against air movement eliminating the need for a vapor barrier or ventilation. Insulate and air seal any knee walls vertical walls with attic space directly behind them in your home as well.

If you have an attic there are quick ways to insulate the ceiling from above after drywalling 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. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. How to put insulation in a ceiling before drywall.

How to insulate a finished attic. 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. With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable. Insulation level are specified by r value.

If it is located in a conditioned part of the house also remember to insulate and air seal your attic access. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. This old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor demonstrate the proper way to insulate an attic.

When tom insulates a cathedral ceiling or a finished attic he also turns to foam. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. 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. Illustration by ian worpole.

Before insulating seal any air leaks and make roof and other necessary repairs. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. That means insulating the attic floor only not the walls and having vents in the roof. 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.