insulating my attic myself (how much, AC, plank, installation)

[citydweller]

I recently moved to an older home and have found the new ac installed is not keeping up. I decided to check out the attic insulation and I only have 4 inches of cellulose type insulation. I was recommened to have R30 so obviously I am very deficient so I have decided to try to blow some fiberglass in myself. Has anyone done this? Tips. ideas and suggestions are welcome.

[Bydand]

Don't use the nasty fiberglass. Go with the white stuff (insulsafe is one brand) it doesn't itch and has better loft than the older fiberglass blown in stuff. For all that is holy, don't go cellulose (the crappy gray stuff). I have installed all the above stuff and it is all about the same: hot, dirty, and generally miserable. But it isn't hard to do and can save yourself a ton of money on the installation by doing it your self. Just remember to provide ventilation from the eaves to the peak so you don't get ice buildup in the winter and condensation year round.

[Poltracker]

Make sure you wear a respirator and protective clothing. Fill little baggies with ice and stick them in your pockets to keep you cool.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by Poltracker

Make sure you wear a respirator and protective clothing. Fill little baggies with ice and stick them in your pockets to keep you cool.

Anytime I make a prolonged incursion into the attic I will have either a dust mask or a respirator, depending on how much insulation I think I will disturb, long-sleeves and gloves duct-taped at the wrist and waist, backwards ball-cap, and the cuffs of my jeans duct taped. I like the sound of the ice-in-baggie trick but it seems to me that I would have little, leaky baggies of cold water in my pockets in short order.

[Barking Spider]

Respirator - don't go in without it.
Eye protection - a must have.
Gloves - probably a good idea.
The long sleeves and duct tape is OK if you have allergies to fiberglass or other stuff, but probably overkill IMHO. Cellulose isn't really itchy, and the new fiberglass isn't either. I spend a lot of time in attics (as a home inspector) and I just dust off well when I get out. Keep in mind the stuff will find it's way up your pant legs and socks.
Knee pads are a good idea.

Make sure before you blow in the new stuff that the bathroom vent fans are exhausting somewhere and will not be covered by the insulation.
Some recessed light fixtures can not be covered with insulations, so if you have them, check to see if it is OK to cover them.
If you have vents at the eaves, then make sure you don't cover them up with insulation.
If you happen to have a much older house that still has knob and tube wiring, you shouldn't cover it with insulation.

Go with the no itch fiberglass and go to town. You will get the hang of it after a short time and it will go pretty fast. It's best if you have a couple helpers filling the hopper and feeding you hose etc. Since you will be moving backwards, it might be a good idea to put in some planks or boards down the center of the attic to walk on.

I spend a lot of time in attics, and find I get around mostly by squat walking. I don't like to be on hands and knees, because it's hard on my knees. Get a feel for how you will get around in yours (how high is it?). Since it will take a while to do this job, then make sure your legs are up to it.

Start very early in the morning, or it will be way too hot.
Have fun!!!!

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by Poltracker

Make sure you wear a respirator and protective clothing. Fill little baggies with ice and stick them in your pockets to keep you cool.

I double bag. Keeps leaks to a minimum.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by Barking Spider

The long sleeves and duct tape is OK if you have allergies to fiberglass or other stuff, but probably overkill IMHO.

When I started my remodel I had old rock-wool insulation. Long sleeves, for me anyway, were not overkill. More like a necessity. Any contact with sweaty skin led to days of irritation. I'd rather be hot for three hours than miserable for three days.

But you're right, cellulose isn't exactly going to slice anyone up.

[desertsun41]

All good advice but I wish to add 2 things:

The mask. Do not use those cheap little paper cups. I see so many people using them and they are about as worthless as the government.

When you blow the insulation up there. Make sure you do not cover the eve vents. The attic must have air flow or you will have serious problems. Some old homes have no eve or soffit venting. In that case I hope it at least has a gable vent. If not get one in. They are inexpensive.

Once you blow it in you can just go back with a garden hoe and pull it back some. Keep those vents clear.

[Barking Spider]

The reason I said no long sleeves is because cellulose insulation is not really an irritant, and the new fiberglass isn't. Obviously, if there is something that will irritate, then protect yourself.

I spend several hours a week in attics and always wear short sleeves. Rarely do I have a problem.

[texdav]

One thing that you might want to consider if in a cold climate is to chack on a mositure barreir under the blown in you have now. If it does have one adding more insulation can cause more moisture to be trapped that can cause a mold problem later. If in the south where you get mild winters there wouldn't be a problem as any slight mositure build up will be quick evaporated in teh wrmer moths . Go to a sight like Dow to get insulation advise as they have a great knowledge base.I prefer rolled fiberglass for added insulation than blown but it is more expensive.I thnik it also mantains its insulation value better. Blown tends to compact over time decreasing the value.