How to Replace Insulation in an Attic

There are two parts of the replacement process for attic insulation that you will have to enact in order to successfully accomplish this home renovation activity: removal and installation. Even though this process can be messy, convoluted, and more than a little stressful, it is an important part of taking care of your home.



1. Removing the Current Insulation
The first thing you need to ascertain before you begin your removal process is whether or not the insulation you currently have is infested with asbestos. With a home-testing kit from the local home improvement shop, you can guarantee your own personal safety during this project. If you are removing the insulation because of animal contamination, do not remove it until after you have sprayed the entire attic with the appropriate cleanser.

The actual removal process will depend on the type of insulation you have. If it is blown-in, then you will need to be able to vacuum up the debris that occurs as you remove the substance. Make sure you wear the correct protective gear and dispose of the insulation in a recycling center. If you have rolled or batting insulation, then you can easily remove it without any additional supplies. The process is much simpler than you might expect, but prepared for it to be time-consuming.

2. Installing The New Insulation
After you have completely removed the previous insulation, you will need to measure your attic in order to discern the appropriate amount of insulation to acquire. You should determine what type of insulation you’ll be installing, because this will account for different installation methods. Additionally, check your local building codes to make sure your R-value is in line with the recommendations and wear the appropriate safety gear to ensure health when installing.

If you are installing spray foam, blow/shredded, or another form of non-fiberglass insulation, then you need to make sure that the attic has been filled at least 15 inches with the product. If you are installing fiberglass insulation, then you need to orient the substance appropriately within the attic. Start at the opposite end of the attic, and then cut them at a perpendicular angle to keep them in line with your physical space. When you run into cross braces or the like, you simply have to cut a notch into the fiberglass to make it fit.

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How to Replace Insulation in an Attic