Most Homeowners Insulate Their Attic WRONG (Do What 1950s Houses Did Instead), by Old Ways Restored on YouTube. 10 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- 4 to 6 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Before touching the insulation, look for grey granular material, knob-and-tube wiring or an unsealed flue. Stop and call a licensed pro if you find vermiculite, damaged wiring or flue problems.
Find the leaks between the heated rooms and the attic. Check wiring holes, plumbing gaps, top plates, light fixtures and the hatch.
Seal small gaps with caulk and larger holes with spray foam. Keep the required clearance around the chimney and flue, and hire a pro if you are unsure.
Fit attic baffles at each soffit vent and staple them to the roof deck. Keep insulation from blocking the vents.
Cover IC-rated recessed lights only with a listed cover. Keep non-IC lights clear of insulation or replace them.
Weatherstrip and insulate the attic hatch. Build a rigid dam around it if loose insulation could spill out.
After sealing, add insulation to the recommended depth for your climate zone. Aim for R-38 to R-60 and use a ruler to check depth without compressing the insulation.
If you hire a contractor, ask whether the quote includes air sealing. Blown insulation alone will not stop air leaks.
Tips and common mistakes
Insulation slows heat, but it does not stop air. Seal the leaks first, then add insulation.
Never bury soffit vents. Use baffles so the attic can breathe.
Do not disturb grey vermiculite insulation. It may contain asbestos, so have it tested by a pro.
Knob-and-tube wiring cannot be buried in insulation. Have an electrician assess it first.
Questions
Do I need to remove the old insulation?
Usually no, if it is dry and not vermiculite. Seal the holes first, then add new insulation on top.
What R-value should I use?
It depends on your climate zone. The guide cites R-38 to R-60 for attics, so check the DOE recommendation for your area.
Can I seal around the chimney or flue?
No. Keep the required clearance and use the correct fire-rated materials. Hire a licensed pro for flue and gas work.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
