DIY attic insulation?

Question

I am considering laying insulation in my attic myself. I have never tackled a project like this so I am looking for tips, tricks and advice about it, especially what problems I may face.

The attic is not used for storage but the ceiling is high enough for me to stand up. There is a minimum amount of insulation on the floor between the boards and I wanted to add to that.

Answer 1

For safety, a dust mask, a pair of those disposable white coveralls with a hood and gloves.
A Stanley knife to cut the "Batts".
If it is a low pitched roof hammer 2-3, 2
1/2" nails through a piece of 2"x1" to act like a fork to push them out beyond the top plate.
Be prepared to get hot,sweaty and dirty, remember the fibre glass can irritate the skin.

Answer 2

More details please:

Fiberglass batting? (Pink or white, some with paper on one side that is used to staple into the joists). OR blown-in fluff, OR spray in foam (that solidifies).

Are you insulating an attic that you also use for storage, an area big enough to walk in, or the narrow space between a cathedral ceiling and the roof?

Do you need to work around windows, vents, dormers or other strange layouts?

Are you insulating the 'floor' or the 'ceiling' in the attic space?

***
Other posters -- be sure to offer advice on which insulation to use, where the vapor barrier goes, how thick it should be? These are things I know to consider, but don't have advice to share.

Answer 3

if you are putting the insulation over other insulation get the unfaced rolls it comes in different thickness, i would suggest R-25 or greater depending where you live most homes have blown in attic insulation of about R-15 in older homes new homes being built require more. DO Not use a vapor barrier over other insulation you will trap the moisture in as for safety the insulation can make you itch, but i can say for sure it won't kill you doing it one time. I worked for a fiberglas plant for 39 years in every phase and i'm still kicking

Answer 4

Hire a profesinal, I konw you want to do it yourself but an insulating contractor can insulate you attic (time and matterial) for about the same money that you can buy the the stuff for.

I know you think it is ridiculus to belive that but trust me check around most places give free estimates and then after you get some bids on it go some where and price the insulation for yourself.

I promise you will be amazed. Try it

Answer 5

If there is already insulation between the floor
joists, you can assume there's already a vapor
barrier there.
You can just buy rolls of fiberglass and
unroll-lay it down over the existing insulation.
Start at the edges & work toward your exit.
Do wear a dust respirator, glasses, & some
sort of cover-all, which you can bag up when
finished as the stray fibers are irritating, nasty,
and you don't want too many of them in the
house proper.

Answer 6

safety glasses, gloves, face mask, long sleeve shirt, long pants, shoes and socks and pour baby powder all over any areas of your body that you can't cover! Wash all those clothes separately from your normal washing when you're done! also after you've finished take a good shower first before you start to scrub your body to get the fiber glass particles off you body and hair! The actual job of putting down insulation isn't that hard it's just the dealing with the insulation on your skin........ it's tiny glass slivers all over you!

Answer 7

The easiest thing to use is fiberglass rolls. Roll it up tightly, point it in the right direction, and let it unroll. This is the time of year to do it - it's too hat in the summer...

This link will help.

Answer 8

http://www.mge.com/images/PDF/Brochures/Residential/HowToInsulateAttic.pdf

See the above link.