Best Insulation To Use In Attic Over Existing Insulation

When the time comes to sell your home a well insulated attic is a plus.

Best insulation to use in attic over existing insulation.

Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Best of all insulation is relatively easy to install and the average attic can be completed over the course of a weekend. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. Any existing batt or roll insulation in your attic needs to have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Whether you live in a warm weather state as i do or in a cooler northern climate it s hard to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check if you don t have adequate insulation in the attic. It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass. There are other materials and systems that you can use to insulate your attic.

It can be effectively blown over existing insulation and is available in. Check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Modern technology of blanket insulation today is considered the best insulation for attic.

Among commonly used types of insulation there are mineral wool or fiberglass rolls and batts rigid fiberglass board loose fill materials cellulose mineral wool etc. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost.

Insulation level are specified by r value. 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. To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below. The vapour retarder on top of or between layers will trap moisture.

Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. It is vital that any new batt or roll insulation that is installed over existing insulation in the attic be without vapour retarder. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.