How To Insuate Attic Of Old House

Why the attic is key 1.

How to insuate attic of old house.

Let s apply this knowledge to your. Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and. 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. If the attic is used as a living space say a home office or play room the insulation should be placed between the rafters.

Blow in loose. Check outlets on all floors as well as old and new parts of your house. Before you begin the installation of insulation. Lay batts of un faced 9 inch thick fiberglass insulation perpendicularly across the joists.

Be sure the insulation is slightly above the top edge of the joists. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic. More insulation installation tricks and tips work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just. Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps.

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. Dump cellulose insulation into each joist bay and spread it evenly with a leaf rake. Use the fire blocking type. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is.

Remove weather barrier and cladding before drilling holes. Replace or add water resistant flashing. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. How to insulate an old house.

Since warm air has a tendency to rise and cool air to fall insulating the attic is the place to start. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing. Just because you find insulation in one wall doesn t mean that it s everywhere in the house. We all know that hot air rises as cool air sinks to a low level.

If the attic is unfinished the insulation should be installed on the floor. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation.