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How to diy add insulation to a attic.
You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa.
When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic.
Then put a short length of 2x4 at the point where you want to cut put your foot on the 2x4 and lean on it to compress the fiberglass.
See below for a shopping list and tools.
Wear a long sleeve shirt gloves eye protection and a dust mask.
Add the right kind of insulation.
Level uneven spots with a rake.
Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.
Blow in insulation until the hopper is empty.
If installing fiberglass mats start by laying the mats at the furthest point from the attic access.
It will expand to as much as 6 inches thick.
Don t worry if the fiberglass batt insulation at the home center seems to be too thin.
This old house general contractor tom silva and host kevin o connor demonstrate the proper way to insulate an attic.
For the center areas hold the hose level and blow in insulation evenly until you ve reached your level lines photo 6.
There are many different ways to install insulation.
To cut a batt to size lay it on a piece of plywood.
Move across the attic until you ve hit your desired height at every point.
If installing shredded insulation fill the attic space at least 15 inches high with insulation.
You will also need a strong board to kneel on that will span the joists.
Fill every joist space completely and evenly with the insulation leaving attic vents uncovered.
The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.
Then pivot in place and do the same thing to the other side.
To add insulation to the attic floor you will require enough blanket material to do the job a heavy duty shop vacuum plastic sheeting for covering the blanket material that will insulate the attic opening a heavy duty staple gun and utility scissors with long blades.
How to install attic insulation over existing insulation you can install fiberglass batts yourself right over existing insulation but follow these precautions.
With a helper to load the blower with insulation as needed start at the perimeter of the attic and work toward the attic access door.
Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door.
Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120.
Attic hatch or door.
The pros often use spray foam insulation or blow shredded insulation.