What do you put on top of insulation?

Author: Caroline Lueilwitz  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

In general, either batt or rolled insulation or blown loose-fill insulation (fiberglass or cellulose) can be installed on top of old insulation. If you need to add new insulation on top of old insulation please note the following: Draftproofing should be completed prior to the addition of more insulation.

What do you put over insulation?

Cover the insulation with plywood, OSB, or drywall panels. This provides a finished, protective surface. The best method depends on your attic layout, existing insulation type, and ventilation needs. It's important to properly ventilate the attic space when adding new coverage to avoid moisture buildup issues.

Can you put stuff on top of insulation?

Boarding over your loft insulation can be a great upgrade for your home when done correctly, so your insulation is not compromised. It can provide you with usable storage, or even extra living space, which will only enhance the value of your property.

Can I put insulation over insulation?

Loose-fill insulation can be installed on top of old insulation. Whole-house air sealing is a wise idea before adding new insulation, as leaks will reduce energy efficiency and comfort.

What to cover insulation with?

You should always install a vapor barrier to protect exposed ceiling insulation even if it's temporary. Consult with a building or safety expert to confirm where else in the structure a vapor barrier may be required.

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How to cover insulation cheaply?

Fabric panels are a cost-effective way to cover exposed insulation. They're an alternative to traditional wall materials and can help improve the acoustics in a room. Any kind of permeable fabric will work and they're easy to install. Stretch fabric over a wooden frame or directly on the wall surface.

What to put over fiberglass insulation?

PIB (Polyisobutylene) can also be used over fiberglass insulation. PIB is a type of vapor barrier that is designed to prevent moisture from penetrating through walls, ceilings, and floors.

Should I remove old insulation or just add more?

Removing old insulation is generally recommended if it's damaged, contaminated with mold, or infested with pests. However, if the insulation is in decent shape and just needs a boost, adding a new layer on top can be a cost-effective option.

Is it OK to have insulation exposed?

Exposed insulation poses several safety risks, especially in homes with children and pets. Fiberglass insulation is not highly flammable, but it can still pose a fire risk. Exposed insulation can increase the risk of ignition and rapid flame spread. Always keep exposed insulation away from heat sources.

What should you not do when installing insulation?

Leaving Too Many Gaps

One of the biggest problems DIY homeowners face is leaving too many gaps in their insulation. Gaps or insulation that isn't secured correctly can leave the building structure open to air and moisture leaks. Spray foam insulation is best for reaching into small cracks and any areas left open.

What will stick to insulation?

Depending on what you hope the outcome is you can use liquid nails, wood glue, and even foam insulation spray or panel foam adhesive to join pieces together.

Can I put foam board over insulation?

Yes, foam board insulation is an excellent complement to batt insulation. Foam board insulation can add insulation and eliminate thermal bridging when used in wall and ceiling assemblies insulated with batts. It can potentially replace the vapor barrier and house wrap as well.

Does squashing insulation stop it from working?

Squashing Reduces Thermal Performance: Compressing insulation can decrease its ability to trap air and prevent heat from escaping. Studies have shown that squashing insulation from 270mm down to 100mm will reduce its performance by over 50% significantly affecting your home's energy efficiency.

Can you put too much insulation?

It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.

Can I use Tyvek to cover insulation?

Don't worry about that one. But with that strong air stream, breaking up of fiberglass strands and moving them around is a cause for concern. So, buy Tyvek, and use it to cover the insulation; staple it to framework. It is not a vapor barrier, so it is OK to put over the insulation.

What material is installed over insulation to prevent moisture from entering?

A vapour barrier (sometimes referred to as vapour retarder) is typically a plastic or foil sheet used for damp proofing to prevent interstitial condensation from forming in various building assemblies such as walls, roofs, foundations and floors.

Is yellow or pink insulation better?

In general, the color of insulation doesn't equal better performance over another color. Whether it's pink, white, brown, or yellow—color doesn't influence dependability, reliability, or the products effectiveness.

Does insulation need to be covered?

If the insulation is ever disturbed, it can cause many health problems that are otherwise easily avoided. Breathing in fiberglass particles can irritate your eyes, lungs, and skin. This health risk is probably the best reason you want to cover your fiberglass insulation.

What is the least toxic insulation?

The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.

Should I replace 20 year old insulation?

However, insulation can start falling from fiberglass batts after 15 to 20 years, so if your insulation was installed in batts well over a decade ago, it might be time for an inspection or a home energy audit.

How much value does new insulation add?

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However, according to a study by the National Association of Realtors, insulating attics and walls with cellulose or fiberglass can have the highest return on investment at 107% and 95%, respectively.

Can I add new insulation on top of old insulation?

In many cases you can add new insulation on top of old insulation, unless the old insulation is wet, mouldy, or vermiculite. If the old insulation is dry but appears to have previously been wet, you should look for the cause and repair the problem.

What can you put over insulation?

Fire retardant vapor barriers like 6 Mil White Dura Skrim Reinforced Plastic Sheeting can be a beneficial choice for covering ceiling insulation.

What do you coat fiberglass with?

Gel coat is the most common surface coating used in the fabrication and repair of fiberglass reinforced products. Our Low Emissions Gel Coat is a specially formulated two-part polyester resin that is designed to be the first layer of resin applied in a mold when making a polyester or vinyl ester composite part.

What to do if exposed to fiberglass insulation?

Measures can be taken to reduce exposure after a person has come in contact with fiberglass. Eyes should be flushed with water and any area of exposed skin should be washed with soap and warm water to remove fibers. Clothing worn while working with fiberglass should be removed and washed separately from other clothing.

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