New Attic Insulation Over Old

Your home was built before the ban on asbestos so unless you get the insulation tested assume it is in there.

New attic insulation over old.

Over the insulation install laying foil over on top of insulation on the attic floor this is probably the easiest method to install radiant barrier atticfoil is to lay the foil out over the existing insulation on the attic floor. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. If it s clear the insulation level is well under 12 inches or you cannot see the floor joists you could certainly benefit from adding more. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.

In most cases existing insulation typically fiberglass batts installed between attic floor joists can be covered by new insulation. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. Always use unfaced batts both when laying product for the first time and to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between new and old layers of insulation. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.

The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Unless you have rodent droppings or mold in the existing insulation you can leave it in place. Be careful no matter what you do in the attic. Can you put insulation over existing insulation.

Yes in most instances you can. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.

Wet insulation is a breeding ground for mold mildew or rot. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. Take a quick visit up to the attic armed with a ruler to determine how much insulation is there.

This method can be used in any climate though it historically has been most popular in colder climates. The old insulation can be fluffed a bit with a leaf rake which will help. The levels of attic insulation recommended today by energy star are substantially higher than those used earlier so it s worth checking out what s recommended in your geographic area. Insert the ruler through the insulation until it makes contact with the attic floor.

However you must guard against mold and mildew growth.