How To Install Insulation In Attic Rafters

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

How to install insulation in attic rafters.

If it doesn t add a small piece of insulation over top. Use 3 8 inch heavy duty staples every six inches. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. You can use rigid foam panels or do as tom silva does with nearly all houses these.

It s worth changing tactics to insulate between the rafters and wall joists instead of the floor. The existing layer should sit at the top of the joists. You can leave any existing insulation in place as long as it isn t damaged. Staple sheets of 6 mil plastic over unfaced insulation to create a vapor barrier.

Start by tucking small pieces of insulation between the rafters against the rafter vents. Make sure it is flush against the wood as even a 1 inch gap can cause a 20 percent heating loss. Attach insulation staple it to the rafters or scabbed on boards with a staple gun so that the paper backing is toward the interior of the room to act as a vapor barrier. For rolled insulation place it between roof rafters.

Attach the insulation to the rafter scab board by the paper flange so as not to compress the fiberglass. 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. Level uneven spots with a rake. Find a pre screened local home insulation contractor.

Place the plastic sheeting on top of the rolled insulation. Install the second layer of insulation. Tape the seams with duct tape. More insulation installation tricks and tips.

Then feed the rolled insulation under wires and pipe if either is present.