How to Insulate an Attic | This Old House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor demonstrate the proper way to insulate an attic. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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Time: 2 to 4 hours, depending on size of attic
Skill level: Easy. Working in the confines of an attic is always a bit uncomfortable, but installing the insulation is fast and easy.

Shopping list for How to Insulate an Attic:
R-38 unfaced fiberglass insulation [amzn.to/2loSOCh], used to enhance existing attic insulation
dust mask [amzn.to/2lt8dkZ]
leather gloves [amzn.to/2nBq8qx]

Tools for How to Insulate an Attic:
utility knife [amzn.to/2mWQ0gc], used to cut fiberglass batts

Steps:
1. While wearing dust mask and gloves, carry R-38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic.
2. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists, covering the existing insulation.
3. Continue laying down the insulation, making sure the batts are pressed tightly together at all edge and end joints.
4. At the perimeter of the attic, lay the insulation up to the roof rafters, but keep it away from plywood roof sheathing.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Insulate an Attic | This Old House
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