If it s clear the insulation level is well under 12 inches or you cannot see the floor joists you could certainly benefit from adding more.
New attic insulation over old.
Over the insulation install laying foil over on top of insulation on the attic floor this is probably the easiest method to install radiant barrier atticfoil is to lay the foil out over the existing insulation on the attic floor.
Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.
The levels of attic insulation recommended today by energy star are substantially higher than those used earlier so it s worth checking out what s recommended in your geographic area.
However you must guard against mold and mildew growth.
The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.
The old insulation can be fluffed a bit with a leaf rake which will help.
Can you add new insulation over old insulation.
If the insulation appears wet you have an underlying problem that needs to be addressed first.
Yes in most instances you can.
Take a quick visit up to the attic armed with a ruler to determine how much insulation is there.
Any new roll or batt insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face.
Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer.
Can you put insulation over existing insulation.
Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
In most cases existing insulation typically fiberglass batts installed between attic floor joists can be covered by new insulation.
Be careful no matter what you do in the attic.
The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.
The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.
Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
Your home was built before the ban on asbestos so unless you get the insulation tested assume it is in there.
You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.
Always use unfaced batts both when laying product for the first time and to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between new and old layers of insulation.
Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
Insert the ruler through the insulation until it makes contact with the attic floor.
Wet insulation is a breeding ground for mold mildew or rot.