How To Insulate Pipes In Unheated Attic Space

Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old.

How to insulate pipes in unheated attic space.

Fiberglass batts are the easiest insulation to add to unheated spaces. Blow in insulation until the hopper is empty. Often inexpensive foam pipe insulation is enough for moderately cold climates. Then pivot in place and do the same thing to the other side.

Open the insulation piece at the slit and slide it over the pipe. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor. For severe climes opt for wrapping problem pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape from 50 to 200 depending on length which will turn on at certain minimum temps. Then take the attic insulation and put that on top of everything with the vapor barrier toward the ceiling and that should be ok for you.

In attics batts can be laid over any existing insulation either between ceiling joists or over them. For the center areas hold the hose level and blow in insulation evenly until you ve reached your level lines photo 6. Once you locate the pipes take the insulation and cut it into sections using the utility knife in order to easily slip it over the pipe. This will allow you to slip the insulation over the pipe corner easily.

Continue this process over the entire length of piping in your attic. I m not a big fan of running water pipes in unheated spaces but if you must run the hot water pex up in the attic keep the pex tubing down tight to the ceiling and encapsulate in foam tubing insulation. Insulating exposed pipes is an important step in getting your home prepared for the winter. But plumbing pipes in an unheated area such as an attic crawl space and garage are at risk of freezing.

If the air distribution is in the attic space then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space. For corner joints that need to be insulated cut a simulated miter joint by cutting the insulation at a 45 degree angle. In unfinished attic spaces insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below.