I've got a 1200 sq ft attic currently insulated with R30 and I'm looking to improve it to minimize cool air loss. I have a few options and I'd like some advice. Should I: 1) Add R19 unfaced insulation on top of the R30 for about $1300 if I do it myself? 2) Replace everything with R49 batts at a cost of $2700? 3) Hire someone to do one of those options? 4) Remove the existing R30 and switch to blown-in insulation? I'm not very handy but can follow instructions. My concern with rolling out R19 is that I won't easily see the rafters and it might get tricky. What do you all think?
2 Answers
Honestly, if you're not that handy, I'd strongly recommend hiring a professional. The risk of stepping through the ceiling is very real, and it's generally considered one of the nastiest DIY jobs around. You could end up paying between $3,000 to $5,000 for a full job where they do air sealing and clean up afterwards. It might sound steep, but let the pros take care of this one!
Before you replace the insulation, consider air sealing first. It's a big part of making your insulation effective. If your budget allows, hiring a pro might save you from a lot of hassle, especially since it's a tough job, often hot and dirty. Blown insulation tends to be easier than rolling out batts, but the rental equipment can be tricky to handle, so just a heads-up!
I totally agree! Hiring someone for blown-in insulation could actually cost less than doing R19 batts yourself. My company charges around $1.25 per sqft, which would make it about $1500 for your attic. It fills any gaps in your current insulation too, so it’s a win-win!