Attic Insulation Over Blown In

Add the right kind of insulation.

Attic insulation over blown in.

The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your.

In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. Insulation level are specified by r value. Click the button to calculate the depth in inches and pounds of total insulation required for this job. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Faced insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. See install batt and roll insulation for details.

A bag of cellulose runs about 11 50 and will cover 36 7 square feet at a. Cellulose insulation has an average thermal value of r 3 7 so you d need just over five inches to equal an r 19 batt. We offer our review of the three most popular types of attic insulation with a look at each one s pros and cons. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs. Loose fill blown in insulation is best for tight spaces or if your attic already has a layer of insulation. Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. Most attics are insulated with blown in loose cellulose r 3 5 per inch blown in loose fiberglass r 2 5 per inch or fiberglass batts r 3 2 per inch.

Your options for attic insulation range from radiant barriers to sheets of mineral wool but most homeowners stick with products made from cellulose or fiberglass. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Blown in spray foam batts and blankets. Input length width and desired r value of the area to be insulated.

Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers. There are two main types of insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.