How do i insulate an attic

There are two basic ways to insulate a finished attic. If only the living space will be insulated, wrap the insulation around the …With an insulated attic floor, the temperatures in the house’s upper levels are heated evenly, and much less warmth is lost through the attic. 2. Loss of Cool Air. In the summertime, the opposite phenomenon occurs. The cold air pumped out from an air conditioning system is easily lost through uninsulated attics because the cool air flows …Our top pick for this material type is the Johns Manville Batt Insulation. This R-30 insulation is formaldehyde free fiber glass insulation protected on one side with moisture resistant Kraft facing. The batts come in pre-cut 48 inch lengths for easy installation in 16 in., 2 in. x 10 in. attics and ceilings. One bag covers 58.67 sq. ft.Don’t forget to build an insulation dam around the perimeter of your attic hatch, using plywood, OSB, or 2x12s (see photo below). Make sure that the dam is high enough; for example, if you plan to install 16 inches of cellulose, build a dam that extends at least 18 inches higher than the drywall ceiling.One popular method of insulating an attic is by using floor boards. This method involves laying insulation between the floor joists and then covering it with floor boards. To begin, you’ll need to measure the space between the floor joists to determine the correct width for the insulation. It’s important to make sure the …Good: air-seal and insulate the kneewall. If you plan to insulate a kneewall and the attic floor behind the kneewall, protect the insulation with an adjacent air barrier. The air barrier should have no leaks, especially in the areas where the floor meets the wall and the wall meets the roof. This approach … Spray Foam Insulation to Prevent Ice Dams. When it comes to preventing ice dams, spray foam insulation installed in an unvented attic is a great choice. Closed-cell spray foam is moisture resistant. This isn’t typically a DIY project, as it’s important that the installer have the proper license, permit, and experience to work with this type ... Here are some pro-tips on how to insulate your garage door: Install a ready-made garage door insulation kit. Use insulation panels made of rigid foam board, which you adjust to the dimensions of your garage door. Try flexible batting insulation in strips or rolls. Replace the rubber sweep on the bottom of the door.Steps you can take to prevent pipes in your attic from freezing include: Insulating exposed attic pipes. Installing heat tape. Installing Pex piping. Insulating the space under your roof. Letting your taps drip. Let’s look at all of these steps in more detail.It has a low slope roof where the tallest part is 3.5 feet sloping down to about 4 or 5 inches. A good 8 feet is not accessible. It is ventilated: a ridge vent running the length, 2 gable vents and “fascia vents”—i.e. where the roof meets the fascia board there is a gap in some of the bays.There are two basic ways to insulate a finished attic. If only the living space will be insulated, wrap the insulation around the …12 Feb 2024 ... What is the best insulation for the attic? · 1. Rock wool · 2. Wood fiber · 3. Cork · 4. Expanded polyurethane.If you want to insulate the ceiling, measure the length versus the width and multiply to get the total square footage. If you have a gable or hip roof, measure all sections individually and then add them up. If you want to insulate the floor, measure the length and width, and multiply the number.These can be covered with insulation and caulked between the trim and the ceiling, creating an airtight seal. Another option is to cover the existing fixture with a fireproof cap, then seal it to the attic floor with caulk. 5. The knee walls are improperly sealed. Knee walls are the short half walls in an attic.Make the hole dimensions 1 in. smaller than the length and width of the vent. Plan to place an equal number of soffit vents on both sides of the house, evenly spaced along the soffits. Look for nails and seams in the soffit that indicate framing locations, and avoid placing vents over the framing.31 Jul 2023 ... Spray foam. The primary type of attic insulation used by contractors is spray foam. Paired with blanket insulation, which is better for edges ...Oct 27, 2015 · Identifying leaky duct joints is simple to achieve. First, examine the duct joints and connections to discover any loose connections or tears in the seams. This can be best be done with the system powered on. This allows for you to quickly identify escaping air that will be felt slipping through the joints or tears. Unvented attics can be insulated on the bottom of a roof deck (conditioned attic) and attics can be insulated on the top of ceilings or attic floors (unconditioned attic) using fiberglass and mineral wool insulation. The approaches constructing vapor diffusion ports are different for each approach. There are limitations to these approaches based …Properly Insulate Attic Access Points: Pay attention to insulating attic access points, such as hatches or pull-down stairs, to prevent heat loss. Use weatherstripping or a pre-insulated access cover to provide an airtight seal. Consider Ventilation: Maintain proper attic ventilation by ensuring vents are not …Start the Blower Machine. Two people are required: one in the attic with the blower hose and one on the ground feeding insulation into the machine. Hook up the …Batts should cover the top plate of the exterior wall but not block the venting. To maintain airflow, leave a space of 38 to 50 mm (1 1/2 to 2 in.) between the top of the insulation and the underside of the roof sheathing. Use baffles between each rafter space to prevent it from being blocked (see Figure 5-11).Attic insulation costs vary depending on if you hire a pro to install it or go the DIY route. DIY your attic insulation. If you want to save money, you can install insulation yourself. Installing loose-fill insulation is fairly easy even for those who are new to DIY. Along with the insulation, you’ll need to rent the blower, …Wrap the Outside Pipes with Foam. Like exterior spigots, outdoor pipes have a higher chance of freezing and bursting in cold temperatures. However, if you don’t have pipe insulation, wrapping your outdoor pipes (and pipes in unheated indoor regions) with foam coverings will reduce the chances of damage and bursting.General contractor Tom Silva shows affordable ways to create an energy-efficient attic. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)SUBSCRIBE to This Old House...If you are considering improving the energy efficiency of your home, one area that shouldn’t be overlooked is the attic. The attic plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable...Oct 16, 2023 · Attic insulation costs range from $1.79 per square foot for Blown In Insulation to $4.34 per square foot for Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation, at 38R-value, which is a new Building Code requirement for Roofs/Ceilings in most states. Attic Insulation Cost Per Square Foot. The chart below provides attic insulation cost estimates based on the ... The box and the duct can be covered with attic insulation. Spray foam can be used to seal the box to the ceiling drywall and around the exhaust pipe. Make sure the rigid foam board notched around the exhaust pipe is sealed perfectly. Can Insulation Be Placed Over Panasonic Bathroom Fans . Loose-fill or batt insulation can be placed …List of the Pros of Spray Foam Attic Insulation. 1. It provides a seal that is air-tight. When spray foam insulation is applied to your attic, then you will create a fast seal thanks to the expansive nature of this product. If you have any holes or cracks in the space, then the foam will penetrate the area to give you a better insulation ...Insulate the hatch – Cut foam board to 1/2″ less than the size of the hatch on each side. Foil-faced polyiso is the greenest and best-performing of the rigid foam options. Apply a bead of foam-compatible …If you find some insulation, cut out a 12- to 16-inch horizontal band of drywall or plaster midway up the wall. Then just pull out the old insulation. If you choose loose fill or …Insulating the attic floor. If you do not use the attic much, it is pointless heating this area. So insulating the floor of the attic is not only the best solution, but it is also the simplest and cheapest. In …Before installing (or adding) attic insulation, take these steps: Use caulk and expanding foam (the fire blocking type) sealant to close air gaps around pipes, ducts and electrical wires where they enter the attic. Use the fire-blocking type. Cut and fit strips of 24-gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood …1. While wearing dust mask and gloves, carry R-38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation into the attic. 2. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists, covering the existing insulation. 3. Continue laying down the …9 Jul 2021 ... Without proper insulation, your attic can get too cold in the winter, which further contributes to the formation of icicles and frozen sheets on ...16 Nov 2018 ... 2. Batts. Batt insulation can be made of rockwool or fiberglass. This kind of insulation comes in big rolls that get installed on the attic ...Because squirrels usually enter attics through roofs, one way to keep them out of an attic is to trim trees to at least 6 feet away from the roof so that the animals cannot leap to...Time to clean out your attic or garage? Forget about settling for garage sale prices. These days, online auction sites and marketplaces make it easier than ever before to sell your...Our top pick for this material type is the Johns Manville Batt Insulation. This R-30 insulation is formaldehyde free fiber glass insulation protected on one side with moisture resistant Kraft facing. The batts come in pre-cut 48 inch lengths for easy installation in 16 in., 2 in. x 10 in. attics and ceilings. One bag covers 58.67 sq. ft.Step 1. If you’re laying narrow, pre-cut rolls (370/380 or 570mm) or encapsulated insulation - jump to Step 2. Cut any larger width rolls (1140mm) to the desired width dependent on your joist’s spacing. (See ‘How to calculate the desired width of loft roll insulation’ for appropriate width sizes).Floor Insulation. Approximately 70% of heat escapes through the floor and roof, so it is, therefore, essential to insulate them well. Insulating your log cabin’s floor can save up to 20% of your annual heating costs when fitted properly and combined with the finished floor. First steps first, you should install a moisture-resistant membrane ...The best way to insulate attic doors is to make a pillow made of insulation batting. Measure first before you stick it onto the attic door with tape. Add foam to the edges to keep it air-sealed. Did you know that 42% of the energy used in homes goes to space heating? Compare it to the energy air conditioning uses up, …Important Attic Elements: Air Sealing and Insulation. Unless an older house has undergone an energy upgrade, it’s certain to have too much air leakage and too little insulation. Nowhere is this more common than in the attic. To understand the major role the attic plays in your home’s overall energy performance, let’s talk about the …This video will show how to insulate an attic, step by step, with precut batts and rolls. Insulating your attic is a great way to provide that extra layer that your house needs in order to make your home as comfortable as possible. Review the tools and supplies you’ll need for the job, and we can take you there.Installing the Insulating Box. Attach foam weatherstripping tape to the top edge of the box to form a tight seal against the attic floor. The weatherstripping helps block conditioned air from escaping around the box. Cut a piece of rigid foam board the size of the exterior box dimensions for the lid. Tape the cover to the top edge of the box ...Choose from two types: closed-cell and open-cell, aka 2-pound and ½-pound, respectively. They sport insulation values of approximately R-6.5 and R-3.6 per inch, …Squirrels gain easy access to your attic from soffits, fence lines and roofs. One-way entry doors are the quickest and most humane method of squirrel removal. Andrew Phillips shows the proper way to install Attic Ceiling insulation batt and Cathedral Ceiling insulation batt. Watch this video BEFORE you start your p... Fiberglass insulation: This is one of the most common types of insulation in Texas and is often the most affordable. Fiberglass insulation costs range from $0.70 to $1.50 per square foot, so insulating a 1,000-square-foot attic could cost around $700 to $1,500. Spray foam insulation: This type of insulation …General contractor Tom Silva shows affordable ways to create an energy-efficient attic. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)SUBSCRIBE to This Old House...Make the hole dimensions 1 in. smaller than the length and width of the vent. Plan to place an equal number of soffit vents on both sides of the house, evenly spaced along the soffits. Look for nails and seams in the soffit that indicate framing locations, and avoid placing vents over the framing.16 Nov 2018 ... 2. Batts. Batt insulation can be made of rockwool or fiberglass. This kind of insulation comes in big rolls that get installed on the attic ...Recommended Prodex type: Any Prodex Total type. Drape insulation over the rafters or trusses. Make sure the insulation can drop a few inches between each rafter. Use …Stack insulation batts on top of the duct tape so they extend about 1 in. on each side. Then secure the “pillow” with the duct tape. This creates an insulated attic access door. If you have an attic access panel in your ceiling and are concerned about heat loss, don’t despair. You can easily insulate and … Up in the attic, clean the ceiling surface around each fixture, slit the cover to accommodate the electrical cable, and place the cover over the fixture. Apply the sealant around the cable and along the edge of the cover where it rests on the ceiling. Now it will be safe to heap insulation onto that spot. I do recommend that you replace your ... Aug 7, 2012 · Standard fiberglass blanket insulation adds between 3.2 to 3.4 "R" per inch. Example: 3 1/2" insulation = R-11, 5 1/2" = R-19, etc. This comes in rolls either 15 1/2" or 23" wide. It is fairly easy to install, but precautions must be taken not to breath in any fiberglass dust or expose skin. What you need to do: Make several dozen holes in the bottom and sides of the first bucket. You can use a drill to do this. Place this bucket inside the second bucket—one that has no holes in it. Pour rock salt into the top bucket. Set these buckets in different areas of your attic.Step 1. If you’re laying narrow, pre-cut rolls (370/380 or 570mm) or encapsulated insulation - jump to Step 2. Cut any larger width rolls (1140mm) to the desired width dependent on your joist’s spacing. (See ‘How to calculate the desired width of loft roll insulation’ for appropriate width sizes).Consider whether you want to use rolls, batts, or blown-in insulation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation. Install Insulation: Begin installing the insulation material in the garage attic. If using rolls or batts, carefully unroll or cut the insulation to fit between the joists and rafters.Insulating Air Handler in the Attic. There should be insulation between and over the floor joints for attics, and you might consider insulating the rafters as well. If your HVAC dealer recommends it, they also insulate the knee walls, i.e., the space directly behind the walls. Don’t forget to insulate the attic hatch door, either. ...The main advantage of this approach is that it's the only way to get adequate insulation at the perimeter of your roof assembly. The main disadvantage is that this approach is expensive. For more information on this approach, see How to Install Rigid Foam On Top of Roof Sheathing. The OK way to proceed would be …Feb 23, 2024 · Use a mild detergent and water solution to scrub the pipes gently. Rinse them thoroughly to ensure they are completely clean. Dry the pipes: After cleaning, allow the pipes to dry completely. Moisture on the pipes can affect the adhesion of the insulation material and promote the growth of mold or mildew. This video will show how to insulate an attic, step by step, with precut batts and rolls. Insulating your attic is a great way to provide that extra layer th...1. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation materials designed for hot water pipes. 2. Insulate gas lines with approved materials. 3. Use an insulation blanket for the outer housing. 4. Follow safety guidelines, and consult a plumber or the manufacturer. Follow these tips to get the most from your tankless water heater.One popular method of insulating an attic is by using floor boards. This method involves laying insulation between the floor joists and then covering it with floor boards. To begin, you’ll need to measure the space between the floor joists to determine the correct width for the insulation. It’s important to make sure the … Recommended Prodex type: Any Prodex Total type. Drape insulation over the rafters or trusses. Make sure the insulation can drop a few inches between each rafter. Use reflective tape to bind the seams. If you want to avoid seam taping, choose 10M or Fast Action, which have an incorporated adhesive line on one side of the roll. Jun 13, 2020 · Hey everyone! In this video we'll be removing the blown-in attic insulation from the house. There are a number of reasons to remove old insulation, such as t... Cost-effective way to save energy with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: ht... Andrew Phillips shows the proper way to install Attic Ceiling insulation batt and Cathedral Ceiling insulation batt. Watch this video BEFORE you start your p...Step 1. Test for Air Flow: Before attempting any insulation work, make sure that your ceiling is free of any air leaks or drafts. This can be checked with a standard blower door test and infrared camera. If there is any airflow, it will need to be addressed before installing insulation. Step 2.Nov 8, 2022 · Step 1: Install the Sheeting. Spread plastic sheeting over the crawlspace to prevent ground moisture from entering the area. Check the insulation manufacturer's instructions for the necessary thickness of plastic. Overlap the seams by about 12 inches and run the plastic up the walls at least 6 inches. If you are considering improving the energy efficiency of your home, one area that shouldn’t be overlooked is the attic. The attic plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable...Dec 26, 2010. #12. "Manifold" was probably a strong word to describe my situation. The hot and cold "manifolds" are just 80-foot long 3/4" pipes running the length of the house, with 1/2" branch lines going to each fixture or group along the way. Both hot and cold manifolds are center-fed above the water heater.Place metal, plastic, foam, or cardboard attic baffles between rafters. Ensure they are not touching the ceiling, as this is where the air will flow. Staple the attic ventilation baffles into place. Continue this process up the roof along with the same rafter space. This allows air to travel throughout the space.Feb 11, 2021 · Blown-in attic insulation refers to cellulose, fiberglass, and other thick, dense, and lumpy insulation. It has a consistency similar to that of down feathers and can fit in tight areas such as walls or between wires or ducts. Blown-in insulation used in homes is made from various materials, such as recycled newspaper, cardboard, glass, and ... Attic Baffles Types of Attic Baffles. Foam Rafter Baffles: These attic baffles are used to channel hot and cold air to roof vents to keep insulation from blocking the soffit part of the roof.They look like egg boxes and have extra cones to open the soffit vent. Also, Styrofoam rafter vents are light, flexible, and affordable, and you can easily …Warm deck or warm roof refers to a situation where the 'deck' of the roof, which is usually made of wood, is below the insulation. Cold deck or cold roof is where the insulation is below the roof ...1. Remove any existing loose or blown insulation in the attic. Use a builder's vacuum to get all of the small pieces cleaned out of the area. You might consider renting a commercial air purifier for the duration of the project to minimize the possibility of inhaling the tiny insulation strands, which can be hazardous.This video will show how to insulate an attic, step by step, with precut batts and rolls. Insulating your attic is a great way to provide that extra layer that your house needs in order to make your home as comfortable as possible. Review the tools and supplies you’ll need for the job, and we can take you there.Aug 7, 2012 · Standard fiberglass blanket insulation adds between 3.2 to 3.4 "R" per inch. Example: 3 1/2" insulation = R-11, 5 1/2" = R-19, etc. This comes in rolls either 15 1/2" or 23" wide. It is fairly easy to install, but precautions must be taken not to breath in any fiberglass dust or expose skin. You can staple some fiberglass bats on to the board. You could also box the door (add vertical uprights on all 4 sides and staple the bats to the sides of the uprights. That will cause the least compression of the bats, and provide the most insulation. Intelligent_Ebb4887 • 1 yr. ago.28 May 2021 ... Attic insulation is generally the most cost effective of any energy efficiency upgrade made to a house, considering the potential cost savings ...A. The recommended insulation levels for attics in Texas typically range from R-30 to R-60, depending on the specific climate zone within the state. It’s important to consult with a local insulation expert to determine the best insulation level for your attic.Three: Cut Your Lumber. Making the most of your lumber requires you to know how to cut roof rafters. Typical roof rafter cuts include: Plumb cuts, where your rafter meets the beam at the top of your rafters. Tail cuts, where your rafter creates roof eaves. Birdsmouth, seat, and heel cut,s all of which attach to the top of your walls.Wrap the insulation around the pipes: Take the cut insulation pieces and wrap them tightly around the PEX pipes. Make sure the insulation completely covers the pipes, leaving no gaps or exposed areas. Secure with tape or zip ties: Use insulation tape or zip ties to secure the insulation in place.Here are some pro-tips on how to insulate your garage door: Install a ready-made garage door insulation kit. Use insulation panels made of rigid foam board, which you adjust to the dimensions of your garage door. Try flexible batting insulation in strips or rolls. Replace the rubber sweep on the bottom of the door.Step #1: Provide a moisture barrier. Skip this step if you’re adding to existing insulation. If your attic doesn’t have insulation (or you removed all of the existing …The box and the duct can be covered with attic insulation. Spray foam can be used to seal the box to the ceiling drywall and around the exhaust pipe. Make sure the rigid foam board notched around the exhaust pipe is sealed perfectly. Can Insulation Be Placed Over Panasonic Bathroom Fans . Loose-fill or batt insulation can be placed …The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors: Where you live —Different climates require different insulation R-values. You …To maximize headroom, while properly insulating your attic and ventilating the roof, use a combination of dense batt insulation, rigid foam sheeting and air chutes. …The best way to get the most benefit from your insulation is to insulate both your attic floor and ceiling. This will have several benefits, including: 1. Reduced Energy Costs. The main benefit of insulating either your attic floor or ceiling is that it can help reduce energy costs. During winter, you want to ensure heat doesn’t escape from ...Installing the Insulating Box. Attach foam weatherstripping tape to the top edge of the box to form a tight seal against the attic floor. The weatherstripping helps block conditioned air from escaping around the box. Cut a piece of rigid foam board the size of the exterior box dimensions for the lid. Tape the cover to the top edge of the box ...The reflective foil installation is the easiest of the processes, however the thermal insulation result is the poorest. Unroll the material and start on one side of the loft. Staple the foil to the underside of the rafter, ensuring as you roll-out the material you staple to all the rafters. You will eventually get to the other side of the room ...Make the hole dimensions 1 in. smaller than the length and width of the vent. Plan to place an equal number of soffit vents on both sides of the house, evenly spaced along the soffits. Look for nails and seams in the soffit that indicate framing locations, and avoid placing vents over the framing.Mar 22, 2021 · This video will show how to insulate an attic, step by step, with precut batts and rolls. Insulating your attic is a great way to provide that extra layer th... It isn’t important to insulate the ceiling between the attic and the garage because those areas are not affected by a home’s heating and cooling system. It is important to insulate any walls that separate the garage from air-conditioned rooms in the house. If these walls are not insulated, the temperature of the garage can affect the …The amount of insulation recommended for your home will vary depending on a number of factors: Where you live —Different climates require different insulation R-values. You …Insulation gaps between studs may result in approximately 20-30% reduction in the surface area of the cooling or heating source ( at a minimum.) This photo shows the storage deck stops short of the edges of the attic to allow for optimal insulation. Ventilation is active and un-compromised. The storage deck is extremely solid.Blocking Air Flow. We just talked about sealing up air flow from inside the house, but another common mistake when insulating an unfinished attic is obstructing the airflow intended for roof ventilation. Many homes have soffit or wall vents designed to allow air to enter the attic and pass out through vents on the roof.Place metal, plastic, foam, or cardboard attic baffles between rafters. Ensure they are not touching the ceiling, as this is where the air will flow. Staple the attic ventilation baffles into place. Continue this process up the roof along with the same rafter space. This allows air to travel throughout the space.Choose the insulation material: Select an insulation material that is suitable for insulating the attic access door. Common options include rigid foam insulation, fiberglass batts, or foam board insulation. Prepare the insulation material: Cut the insulation material to fit the dimensions of the attic access door.May 2, 2012 · Insulate the hatch – Cut foam board to 1/2″ less than the size of the hatch on each side. Foil-faced polyiso is the greenest and best-performing of the rigid foam options. Apply a bead of foam-compatible glue to it and attach it to the plywood hatch. Wash, rinse and repeat until you have added at least 4 inches of foam (but preferably 8 ... Feb 22, 2024 · Free, No-commitment Estimates. Find a Contractor. On average, insulating an attic will cost you anywhere between $1 and $7 per square foot, or roughly $1,500 per insulation project (and including ... Choose the insulation material: Select an insulation material that is suitable for insulating the attic access door. Common options include rigid foam insulation, fiberglass batts, or foam board insulation. Prepare the insulation material: Cut the insulation material to fit the dimensions of the attic access door.Regardless of the attic insulation in Texas you choose, the golden rule is to have at least an R-38 value or 14-inches thick insulation. Consult with a pro attic specialist for the proper attic insulation for your home. They'll be able to recommend the most energy-efficient, fire-resistant, and least prone to water damage insulation …This video will show how to insulate an attic, step by step, with precut batts and rolls. Insulating your attic is a great way to provide that extra layer th...Dec 9, 2021 · Installing a few closet rods—or even using tension rods—can allow you to maximize the storage space in your attic. In addition to holding bulkier clothing items, closet rods can also be used ... But the job is identical. The first step is air sealing the finish trim and enclosure around the attic hatch. Carefully pull down the finish trim. (Pray that the installer used finish nails and not, say, ring-shank nails.) Set aside the trim and, using caulk for smaller gaps (less than 1/4″) or foam sealant for larger ones, seal the gap ...Nov 2, 2023 · Place a Second Layer. An extra layer will add R-value and prevent heat and cold transfer from your home. Start by insulating under your roof; focus on small spaces where air can easily escape. Install the insulation perpendicular to the joist, starting farthest away from the door and adding until you reach the door. Consider whether you want to use rolls, batts, or blown-in insulation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation. Install Insulation: Begin installing the insulation material in the garage attic. If using rolls or batts, carefully unroll or cut the insulation to fit between the joists and rafters.Start in the attic. Your home can lose a significant amount of heat through the top, so the best place to start insulating is the attic.The first step is to identify the parts of your chimney. The part of the chimney that you will be installing insulation in is called the flue. It is important to make sure that the insulation you are using is rated for use with flues. You can find this information on the product’s packaging or on the manufacturer’s website. An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value -- the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The R-value of most insulations also depends on temperature, aging ... Leaving a strip of empty space about 6 inches wide under and following the route (s) of the pipes. . For loose fill insulation, staple cardboard strips to the joists to keep the insulation from falling into the empty spaces. Then put the batt on top of the joists, pipe, and all. Optionally put just a half round of pipe insulation on the top ... | Cbslwfllqdjy (article) | Mkngly.