How To Properly Insulate An Attic Ceiling

Purchase rolls or packages of insulation that will fit in the spaces between the ceiling joists.

How to properly insulate an attic ceiling.

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 codes require insulation equal to r 38 or more. Typical ceiling insulation involves spreading either loose fill or batt the term commonly used for blanket insulation within the attic or airspace of a home. The recommended ceiling insulation level for most attics is r 38 or about 12 to 15 in. Ensure ends of insulation are butted together and flush to underside of framing.

From the drywall depending on the insulation type. Friction fit insulation snugly between and parallel to all standard and narrow attic framing members. But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates. The standard width for joists is 24 inches.

Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and is flush against any ventilation dams baffles. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor. To meet all three goals insulating your finished attic ventilating the roof and maximizing headroom use a combination of dense batt insulation rigid foam sheeting and air chutes. While wearing dust mask and gloves carry r 38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic.

Your home needs at least some type of insulation to keep the interior temperature of your home regulated regardless of the specific climate you live in. If only the living space will be insulated wrap the insulation around the room s walls and ceiling and then continue along the floor of the non living space. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation. In this case the area behind the knee wall will be uncomfortably hot or cold.

Use the insulation calculator to plug in your zip code lifestyle factors building design energy costs and budget to get a detailed recommendation.