How To Insuate Attic Of Old House

Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation.

How to insuate attic of old house.

Since warm air has a tendency to rise and cool air to fall insulating the attic is the place to start. Blow in loose. If the attic is used as a living space say a home office or play room the insulation should be placed between the rafters. Just because you find insulation in one wall doesn t mean that it s everywhere in the house.

Fill the gaps your insulated attic isn t necessarily a sealed attic. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic. Replace single pane windows with energy efficient windows. Use the fire blocking type.

Replace or add water resistant flashing. We all know that hot air rises as cool air sinks to a low level. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing. This old house general contractor tom silva shows affordable ways to create an energy efficient attic how to know what insulation is behind your walls if you live in an older home understanding what pads your walls is essential to keeping your family safe.

You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is. Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps. Dump cellulose insulation into each joist bay and spread it evenly with a leaf rake. Remove weather barrier and cladding before drilling holes.

Before you begin the installation of insulation. Let s apply this knowledge to your. Check outlets on all floors as well as old and new parts of your house. Be sure the insulation is slightly above the top edge of the joists.

Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. Use caulk and expanding foam the fire blocking type sealant to close air gaps around pipes ducts and electrical wires where they enter the attic. If the attic is unfinished the insulation should be installed on the floor. Why the attic is key 1.

Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and. Lay batts of un faced 9 inch thick fiberglass insulation perpendicularly across the joists.