Insulate Walls Or Attic First

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Insulate walls or attic first.

Wall insulation always go for the attic. Measure the depth of your current insulation. First you can tear or cut the insulation sheets in half and lay half behind the wire and half in front. Walls typically have lower r value requirements but check local codes to be sure.

The largest pay back will be seen here. R 38 is the industry standard and. How to install insulation. While not an easy or fun project you can insulate your attic by yourself.

Achieving greater r values in exterior walls in exterior walls add insulating sheathing to achieve a greater r value in your wall system. An attic that has mechanical equipment in it that will be finished or will be used for storage needs to have spray foam at the roofline or rigid foam under the roofing. Once the batts are up there it is a tedious task of laying the batts between ceiling joists. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation.

Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and. And if there s any knob and tube wiring where insulation should go that needs to be replaced first. Measure the length. Calculate additional insulation needed.

If you do have insulation find out the type and compare it to. In addition if you re building a new home or remodeling make sure any attic decking that provides additional storage space or a platform for a heating and or cooling unit or hot water tank is raised above the ceiling joists to leave room for adequate insulation. For low slope roofs or houses with roof truss construction it s standard to insulate the ceiling before. Walls or ceiling first.

As for attic vs. If the wire is too tight to the wall to make that easy you have a second option. Insulate and air seal any knee walls vertical walls with attic space directly behind them in your home as well. Tear the sheet across the width instead of tearing it lengthwise.

Measure the area needing insulation. Wires vents and non ic recessed lights complicate the task. In addition to walls and attics insulation should be installed in ceilings with unheated spaces basement walls floors above vented crawl spaces cathedral ceilings floors over unheated garages or porches knee walls and in between interior walls especially bathrooms as well as ceilings and floors. Determine if and where you already have insulation.

Probably in more place than you think. There are two ways to insulate around wires. 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.