How To Insuate Attic Of Old House

Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and.

How to insuate attic of old house. Let s apply this knowledge to your. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation. Dump cellulose insulation into each joist bay and spread it evenly with a leaf rake. Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps.

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. If you ve tried everything else and are determined to insulate the walls of an old house follow these tips to minimize risk. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is. Check outlets on all floors as well as old and new parts of your house.

Remove weather barrier and cladding before drilling holes. If the attic is unfinished the insulation should be installed on the floor. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing. 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.

Replace or add water resistant flashing. 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. If the attic is used as a living space say a home office or play room the insulation should be placed between the rafters. Before you begin the installation of insulation.

Fill the gaps your insulated attic isn t necessarily a sealed attic. Replace single pane windows with energy efficient windows. Since warm air has a tendency to rise and cool air to fall insulating the attic is the place to start. How to insulate an old house.

Just because you find insulation in one wall doesn t mean that it s everywhere in the house. Blow in loose. We all know that hot air rises as cool air sinks to a low level. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists covering the existing insulation.

Lay batts of un faced 9 inch thick fiberglass insulation perpendicularly across the joists. Why the attic is key 1.