DIY attic insulation tips?

9 years ago

We have a 1912 Craftsman "airplane" bungalow with an unfinished attic that appears to have never been insulated. (LA climate + 40 years as a rental = highly feasible) We have hired a contractor to replace the ancient gas furnace and add AC, but my husband is determined to clean the attic and install the insulation himself after the AC install. (FWIW, attic is accessed through a little door at the top of the stairs leading to the one-room "cockpit.") This is going to be a dirty, nasty but necessary job and is one we can't afford to hire out. Anyone have experience with this? Please share your wisdom!

Featured Answer

kats737

9 years ago

We DIYed it in our previous house (current house has minimal insulation, errr... haven't gotten to that yet)

It was not really all that terrible. For protective gear we used standard mouth and eye masks, gloves, and long pants/shirt. We used batts of unfaced insulation, just the standard stuff, made sure no electric was in the way and unrolled it. Watch out so you stay on joists and don't fall thru the ceiling! :)

It was actually more work, IMO to load it all up in an SUV and make multiple trips getting enough for our house.

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Comments (9)

klem1
9 years ago
You can rent a machine to blow insulation.
User
9 years ago
By the time you buy the insulation as homeowner prices, buy the protective gear at homeowner prices, and rent the blower ... it's not cost effective compared to a company that has trained crews and a truck-mounted blower.

Call three companies and get estimates.
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User
9 years ago
The cost is determined by the type of insulation used. The protective gear as well.

If you use treated cellulose(the type installed by using a machine to blow it into the space), protective gear can be as simple as a nose/mouth type filter protective mask. Home improvement stores often let you use the machine for free when you buy insulation. Takes at least two people, one in the attic and one feeding the machine.

If you use fiberglass batts, protective gear can be more involved. Eye/ear/face protection(depending on individual reaction to fiberglass), long pants/long sleeved shirts, or protective suits, for instance.

I used the cellulose type for our current house. DIY was half the cost of a pro company---and yes, I got three estimates.
Jmc101
9 years ago
We used denim batts and the extra clothing is not needed. Plus, this type of insulation is environmentally friendly.
kudzu9
9 years ago
In order to avoid sore knees and the likelihood of a slip that puts a hole in the ceiling below, it's useful to have one or two pieces of plywood (say 2' X 4') that you can slide around and walk/kneel on. Also be aware of any insulation clearance requirements that need to be followed around recessed lighting.
Libby Estell
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for your input! I think we've decided on a blow-in cellulose insulation. There's a bulk discount and the equipment rental is included, so the material cost is <$600, including an upgraded respirator. That's much less than the $2-$3k we were quoted by the contractors.
kudzu9
9 years ago
Sounds good. However, I'll repeat: whatever insulation is put in, make sure it's kept away from recessed lighting fixture housings (unless they are specifically labeled to allow such contact).
User
9 years ago
Have you checked out radiant barrier? Sure dropped my light bills...