How to Lay Insulation in an Attic
Replacing or installing attic insulation is an important job when it comes to retaining the heat in your home during the winter. Insulation also helps your home retain the cool air in your home during the summer. Laying insulation batts (roll insulation) is among the easiest methods of installing insulation in your attic. Adding to existing insulation batting in your home’s attic is a simple but effective means to reduce your energy costs without the need of specialty tools or the help of a professional. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- Insulation
- Utility knife
- Flashlight or lighting source
Instructions
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Determine the level of R-value you need to insulate your attic. The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a special website that provides a calculator that will help you determine the level of R-value based upon your location.
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Go up to your home's attic area with a flashlight and measuring tape. Measure the distance between the attic floor joists and the distance along the joists from one exterior wall to another. Write these figures down to determine the width and length of insulation needed to insulate your attic.
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Use insulation with a paper backing on one side if you are laying it in between the attic floor joists, directly on the lower levels ceiling; this paper backing acts as a vapor barrier to keep unwanted moisture from penetrating the insulation material. Use “unfaced” insulation batting if you are adding insulation on top of existing insulating material in your attic.
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Carry the insulation rolls up to the attic and unfurl them. Install the batting in between the attic’s floor joists with the paper backing face down. Position the batting up to the roof rafters but do not allow the insulation to come in contact against the roof decking. Cut the insulation batting lengths to proper size with a utility knife as you go.
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Cover existing insulation by laying the new “unfaced” bats across the attic floor joists instead of within them, starting at the perimeter of the attic, against the roof rafters (make sure the insulation does not touch the roof decking or ceiling). Cut the insulation batting lengths to size with a utility knife and cover the rest of the attic floor with insulation.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gloves and a mask when handling insulation. Insulation contains fine fiberglass that can irritate the skin and lungs.
Always stand on the attic floor joists and never stand directly on the lower level’s ceiling, as you risk falling through the attic or damaging the ceiling.
