Attic Insulation Over Old Insulation

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

Attic insulation over old insulation.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Find your zone on the map and then use the above insulation r value chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Add the right kind of insulation. Best of all insulation is relatively easy to install and the average attic can be completed over the course of a weekend.

Caulk window trim and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous. 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.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Although insulation professionals will handle the installation for you here are some things to keep in mind about removing old insulation and installing new insulation over old insulation according to energy star. Believe it or not there are situations in a home when you should remove the old attic insulation before adding more over the existing and in this short video. Apply a house wrap vapor barrier to exterior walls.

One way to insulate walls of an old house is to focus on the home s exterior. Install siding over the insulation. Replace old windows with energy efficient units. This method can be used in any climate though it historically has been most popular in colder climates.

To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. This is probably the easiest method to install radiant barrier atticfoil is to lay the foil out over the existing insulation on the attic floor. When the time comes to sell your home a well insulated attic is a plus.

Laying foil over on top of insulation on the attic floor. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.