Attic Insulation Over Old Insulation

Attach 1 inch foam board insulation.

Attic insulation over old insulation.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Apply a house wrap vapor barrier to exterior walls. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Best of all insulation is relatively easy to install and the average attic can be completed over the course of a weekend.

Laying foil over on top of insulation on the attic floor. 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. Install siding over the insulation. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

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. Insulation levels are specified by r value. This method can be used in any climate though it historically has been most popular in colder climates. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. 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. Add the right kind of insulation.

These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. Replace old windows with energy efficient units. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing 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. 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. But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous. 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.

One way to insulate walls of an old house is to focus on the home s exterior. To install fiberglass batts over existing insulation lay the batts perpendicular to the joists so they do not compress the insulation below.