Attic Insulation In Old Houses

If you have an unfinished and unconditioned attic like many old houses my first recommendation would be to add batt insulation on the underside of the roof.

Attic insulation in old houses.

It doesn t matter the climate just start with the safest place that provides the biggest bang for your buck and that is alwaysthe attic. According to home advisor insulating your attic can cost between 1700 to 2100. Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. Start in the attic the attic should always be the first place you add insulation whether you live in florida or fargo.

Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation. Inspecting and evaluating your insulation check the attic walls and floors adjacent to an unheated space like a garage or basement. In most cases the best type of attic insulation will be blown fiberglass or blown cellulose insulation. Fiberglass insulation fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install.

In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. Shredded newspaper or loose fill cellulose was another common insulation in the past. The bigger they are the thicker the insulation you can fit. In most climates it needs a vapor barrier.

If you live in an older house you ll have to inspect the insulation. I ll say that one more time. Type and material of your insulation. Square footage of your attic.

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. To keep the ventilation space clear above soffit vents special baffles need to be installed before the insulation goes in. The main factors that impact the cost are. The insulation must meet doe standards.

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. Some homeowners also take the time to build walkways and or storage platforms in the attic prior to installing insulation. Even if you bought the house with insulation already installed into it it s best to double check. Are they 2 6 2 8 or bigger.

Vermiculite and perlite are older granulated insulations with relatively low r values which describes the product s thermal resistance. The insulation materials used in older houses are not as effective in keeping heat in as the new ones. Contractor or insulation installer s fee. Sometimes wood products such as sawdust or balsa wood were used at insulation in old homes but these are very ineffective.