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