Improve the value of your home by discovering our insulation step by step tips ideas.
How to insulate a home with no attic.
Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers.
Most codes require a specified minimum amount of headroom and it s tough to meet this requirement when insulating a finished attic especially since most.
Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts.
Pick up the blower and insulation.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
Lay a two by four on top temporarily compressing the insulation to a manageable.
Install siding over the insulation.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
Caulk window trim and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks.
How to maximize the impact of insulation.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
The total venting space should equal 1 150 of the floor space.
Replace old windows with energy efficient units.
Ask this old house general contractor tom silva shares some diy smarts tips for insulating an attic.
To cut blanket style insulation place the product over a piece of plywood with its paper or foil side down.
I would lean toward adding rigid foam either on top of the roof or on the inside under the joists if reducing headroom isn t a problem.
Depending on your climate you ll need r 30 to r 49 to meet code which is 5 to 8 1 2 inches of polyiso rigid foam which is r 6 per inch.
A passive ventilation system should have air inlets at the base of the roof usually in the soffits and outlets in the peak or gables.
By tom silva and kevin o connor host.
Apply a house wrap vapor barrier to exterior walls.
How to beef up attic insulation.
Nail 1 furring along every rafter side against the roof deck.
Cut and insert 1 or thicker high r foam insulation sheets r 8 per inch against the furring giving a 1 or greater air path between the insulation and the roof deck under the cathedral ceiling.