Attic insulation can be added to a pitched roof or loft attic space – and it can be applied in a number of ways. In the case of unfinished wooden floors, light weight slabs can be applied. When the floor has a finishing layer or is made of concrete, high density boards are common. This also leaves a remaining, walkable surface.Jan 7, 2023 ... Attic Knee wall insulation air sealing · Comments10. thumbnail-image. Add a comment...Aug 19, 2021 ... The short answer, yes, insulating the attic is an effective way to keep your home cooler during the summer months. While it's a given that the ...The Louisville Insulated Attic Ladder was recommended by Sven Home Services LLC whom I hired to replace the broken wooden attic stairs that I was tolerated for 12 years …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 will need a higher R-value of insulation if you live in the Northeast than if you live in Southern California. Your home’s age —If your home is more than 10 year old ... Learn how to install R-38 batts of unfaced fiberglass insulation in your attic with this step-by-step video. Watch Tom Silva and Kevin O'Connor show you the proper technique and tips for a fast and easy job. While insulation materials are the main concern of how to insulate an attic properly, things like airflow and proper venting are also important. Most heat loss escapes through air leaks around exterior vents, pipes, electrical boxes, and chimneys, so insulating should be used in conjunction with weather stripping, caulking, and venting the ...Mar 31, 2021 · 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, respectively. When installed properly, both types of insulation fill all of the nooks and crannies in a space and make for a perfect air barrier. Step No. 3: Keep soffits clear. While insulation should extend all the way to the exterior wall, take care to not block the soffits. These are openings under the edges of your roof that help ...Do you have a collection of old dishes tucked away in your attic or basement? If so, you may be sitting on a potential goldmine. Many people don’t realize that certain old dishes c...Oct 26, 2022 · Affordable and effective, this natural cotton attic insulation by Frost King is 1 inch thick and measures 16 inches by 48 inches. Use one or more pieces of the insulation on attic walls, ceiling ... Cost of blown-in cellulose attic insulation. The average cost for blown-in cellulose attic insulation is between 0.83 and 0.91 for materials. Again, this doesn’t include labor, air sealing, old insulation removal, or equipment rental to blow in the material. Insulation acts as a barrier, keeping the garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, enhancing overall comfort. 2. Energy Efficiency. Insulating the attic above your garage contributes to improved energy efficiency in your home. Garages tend to have significant air leakage, allowing conditioned air from your home to escape and ...Without insulation, attic ducts will get hot in the summer (when they need to carry cool air) and cold in the winter (when they need to transport heated air). Insulating ductwork is a DIY-friendly job, and while you’re at it, you can eliminate duct leakage by covering joints in duct fittings with foil-faced tape designed for ducts.A well-sealed envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a real difference on your utility bills. EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.MDF is basically sawdust and glue pressed together. It is strong, flat, and easy to cut and mill. It also takes paint well. Cut your panel down to about 1/8″ ...New Installation. The cost to replace attic insulation is around $2 to $8.50 per square foot, including about $1 to $2 per square foot for insulation removal costs. You may be able to keep what you have now if it’s dry and in good condition. Most homeowners add blown-in or spray foam insulation to the existing material.Expanding foam insulation offers a nearly airtight seal on your attic. With an R-value of 4.3 per inch, expanding foam is one of the best attic insulators on ...Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling). If you are using loose fill insulation, use sheet metal or wire mesh to create barriers around the openings for such lights. If using fiberglass, wire mesh can be used to create a barrier. Step 2. Lay fiberglass rolls.Nov 28, 2023 ... Attic insulation costs about $2,500 on average, though the price typically ranges between $1,700 and $2,100 . However, the price to insulate an ...The R-value of an insulation product measures its resistance to heat transfer, and it’s usually measured per inch. The R-value for cellulose is roughly 3.5 per inch, so you’ll need four inches of material to achieve a total R-value of 14. The R-values you need for your walls and attic depend on your climate.Cost to Insulate Basement. Insulating a basement costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. Most basements don’t need nearly as much insulation as upper floors since the surrounding earth helps to keep the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Attic Insulation. Insulating an attic costs $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the materials you ...Attic insulation can be added to a pitched roof or loft attic space – and it can be applied in a number of ways. In the case of unfinished wooden floors, light weight slabs can be applied. When the floor has a finishing layer or is made of concrete, high density boards are common. This also leaves a remaining, walkable surface.Oct 14, 2022 ... Two of the most common attic insulations are cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass, each of which have different characteristics. For example, if ...The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of these materials are produced using recycled waste materials. Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass products contain 40% to 60% recycled glass.Cons: no actual insulation value, most homeowners will choose to spend their money on other options. Cost: $50 cents to $1.00 per sq. ft. or expect to pay closer to $2.00 per sq. ft. if going with professional installation. The DIY approach generally results in $500 to $1,000 to adequately cover 1,000 sq. ft.Without proper ventilation and insulation, heat and moisture that is trapped in the attic can potentially cause significant damage to your roof and home, such as: Ice dams that prevent water runoff. Premature failure of roofing materials. Wet wood—sagging roof deck. Metal rust (nail heads) Mold, spores, fungi and mildew.The SuperAttic™ system from Dr. Energy Saver eliminates the need to remove attic flooring and lose valuable attic storage space in order to make major energy-saving upgrades in the attic. The SuperAttic™ system utilizes proprietary SilverGlo™ rigid foam insulation panels to fully seal and insulate the attic directly beneath the roof ...Insulation is a wise choice to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Quality insulation will make it more cost-effective to heat and cool your home, The Department of Energy’s estimates range from a 10% to 50% savings, depending on several factors. However, attic insulation isn’t just about heating.Apr 23, 2021 ... You can add R-30 insulation batting throughout your attic. Or, you can also use blown-in insulation which has environment-friendly materials ...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...As unused and uninhabitable spaces, attics can be costly to homeowners. In fact, as much as 25% of a home’s heat could escape from the attic if it’s poorly …Topping Up Your Attic. If your attic just needs a top up, you can apply a second layer of batting perpendicular to your current one. Just lay the new batting right on top of your current, between-joist batting. When insulating, check to make sure that your insulation fits snug to the boards and joists for optimal energy efficiency.Best Types of Attic Insulation. You can generally use the same insulation options for attic floors and ceilings. While blown-in insulation is becoming increasingly popular due to its affordability, the two most common choices recommended by local attic insulation companies are boards and mineral wool. …Energy Efficiency: Attic trusses have a distinct insulation and energy efficiency advantage. Because they create a defined space within the attic, it’s easier to insulate this area effectively. This insulation can improve your home’s overall energy efficiency, saving you money on heating and cooling costs.) But owners of older homes — homes built before thick ceiling insulation was code-mandated — often discover that the attic lacks enough room near the eaves to accommodate minimum amounts of insulation. In many cases, the vertical distance between the top plates of the exterior walls and the underside of the roof sheathing is …Learn how to insulate a finished or unfinished attic with insulation, vapor barriers, and basic installation techniques. Find out …Like other insulation, attic insulation serves to redistribute heat coming from outside the home. In the summer, when it’s hot outside, good insulation blocks heat from getting inside your home and raising the temperature. But good insulation should be just as effective in the winter months. When it’s cold outside, the insulation keeps the ...Generally, the installation costs for different types of insulation products in Florida are: Fiberglass batts or rolls: $0.70 to $1.20 per square foot, including labor and materials. Blown-in fiberglass: $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot, including labor and materials. Blown-in cellulose: $1.00 to $1.80 per square foot, …Blown-In Attic Insulation Costs. Blown-in attic insulation costs range between $500 and $2,100 per 1,000 square feet of space, for materials alone. Labor increases costs to $1,500 to $3,100 for ...For attics there are many different places where insulation can be done. If you’re wondering, where do I need to insulate, then here are the most common insulation …Learn how to choose the best attic insulation for your home based on R-value, material, and installation method. Compare blanket, spray foam, blow-in, radiant foil, and foam board insulation options and …Add Insulation to Attic. Floor. If your attic is uninsulated. If you already have 3–4 inches of insulation. 1: R30. R25. R13. 2: R49. R38. R13. 3: R49. R38. R19. 4A and 4B: R60. R49. R19. ... Insulated 2x4 wood-frame wall: For Zones 4–8: Add R10 insulative wall sheathing beneath the new siding. Basement or Crawlspace Wall …http://www.drenergysaver.com | 1-866-607-0191In Episode 71 of the On the Job Video series, Larry Janesky, owner and founder of Dr. Energy Saver, walks us thr...Start at the eaves furthest from the attic door. Roll out the top-up insulation in the opposite direction to the existing insulation. Make sure to leave a gap at the eaves so that air can flow through the attic via the soffit. Take care to stand only on the joists when working. Top Tip: In hard-to-reach areas use a sweeping brush to push the ... 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 Stack ... Cost of blown-in cellulose attic insulation. The average cost for blown-in cellulose attic insulation is between 0.83 and 0.91 for materials. Again, this doesn’t include labor, air sealing, old insulation removal, or equipment rental to blow in the material. Oct 15, 2019 · The pros charge $1,500 to $2,000 to do a 1,200-sq.-ft. house. You can do it yourself for about $500. Blowing attic insulation isn’t hard, but it’s dusty, sweaty work. To make insulating an attic easier, grab a helper and set aside two days: one for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. Nov 14, 2023 · Blown-In Cellulose Insulation Cost. Blown-in cellulose insulation done as a DIY project will cost between $0.80 and $1.75 per square foot or between $800 and $1,750 per project. Hiring a professional to install this type of attic insulation costs between $2,000 and $3,000. 4. Spray Foam Insulation. New Installation. The cost to replace attic insulation is around $2 to $8.50 per square foot, including about $1 to $2 per square foot for insulation removal costs. You may be able to keep what you have now if it’s dry and in good condition. Most homeowners add blown-in or spray foam insulation to the existing material.The R-value of an insulation product measures its resistance to heat transfer, and it’s usually measured per inch. The R-value for cellulose is roughly 3.5 per inch, so you’ll need four inches of material to achieve a total R-value of 14. The R-values you need for your walls and attic depend on your climate.Feb 6, 2018 ... A cost-effective way to use foam insulation is to foam the lid of the house, then use loose-fill insulation on top. This means installing closed ...Nov 14, 2023 · Blown-In Cellulose Insulation Cost. Blown-in cellulose insulation done as a DIY project will cost between $0.80 and $1.75 per square foot or between $800 and $1,750 per project. Hiring a professional to install this type of attic insulation costs between $2,000 and $3,000. 4. Spray Foam Insulation. Oct 15, 2019 · The pros charge $1,500 to $2,000 to do a 1,200-sq.-ft. house. You can do it yourself for about $500. Blowing attic insulation isn’t hard, but it’s dusty, sweaty work. To make insulating an attic easier, grab a helper and set aside two days: one for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. May 14, 2022 · Get a free attic inspection and quote to insulate your attic. Generally speaking, attic insulation can cost anywhere from $1,100 to $1,500, or between $1.50 to $3.50 per foot, depending on the material you choose and how much space you need to cover. As we noted earlier, blown-in insulation is the cheapest option. Dec 31, 2023 ... Yes, when it is running, the furnace will be able to emit heat. Most people don't insulate their attic, but it's always better for condensation ...Steps for Insulating HVAC Ductwork. Check the speed of the blower motor on the furnace. If necessary, switch the wires to reduce the blower to its lowest speed. Press a continuous strip of foil tape to all longitudinal seams along straight runs of duct. Use a paintbrush to apply duct mastic to the joints where an elbow connects to a duct.Cons: no actual insulation value, most homeowners will choose to spend their money on other options. Cost: $50 cents to $1.00 per sq. ft. or expect to pay closer to $2.00 per sq. ft. if going with professional installation. The DIY approach generally results in $500 to $1,000 to adequately cover 1,000 sq. ft.Attic Insulation Installation. What's included in a free in-home consultation? Get a quote, discuss your energy needs, and more. Learn More. Check Availability. Tell …There are two options for locating ductwork in an attic. The first is to move the building’s thermal boundary from the attic floor to the roofline, which places the ductwork inside conditioned space. The other is to bury ducts in a layer of insulation on the attic floor, leaving the balance of the attic unconditioned.While attics, especially in older homes, are rarely insulated, you can easily insulate yours with the help of this guide. Step 1 – Measuring the Space. First, climb into the attic and use measuring tape to determine the square footage of the space. Multiply the length and width of the attic to find this number.Jun 9, 2022 · Benefits of an Insulated Attic. The USDE recommends insulating a home from the foundation to the roof for optimal energy efficiency. Insulating between the attic floor joists helps keep the air distribution in the living space. We tend to think of insulation as a way to keep warm, but it also keeps your home cool. Unfinished Attic Insulation. The goal with an unfinished attic is to seal it off from the main living space below. This means you should insulate between and over the floor joists. Don’t forget to also insulate the attic hatch. If ductwork is located in the attic, make sure to insulate it as well to reduce heat loss and gain while passing ...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.As of 2023, the average attic insulation cost in Tennessee is between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot, including installation. However, this cost can increase or decrease depending on the factors mentioned above and the insulation R-value. Higher R-value insulation will generally be more expensive, but it can also provide more energy …STEP 1: Remove anything mounted to the walls. Nails, screws, and hooks are commonly installed on the wood studs of a garage so that lawn tools, ladders, and other objects can be mounted on the ...Feb 22, 2024 · 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 labor and materials). Smaller attic insulation ... Insulation is a wise choice to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Quality insulation will make it more cost-effective to heat and cool your home, The Department of Energy’s estimates range from a 10% to 50% savings, depending on several factors. However, attic insulation isn’t just about heating.Insulation acts as a barrier, keeping the garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, enhancing overall comfort. 2. Energy Efficiency. Insulating the attic above your garage contributes to improved energy efficiency in your home. Garages tend to have significant air leakage, allowing conditioned air from your home to escape and ...According to the online home services company HomeAdvisor, the typical attic costs $1,700-$2,100 to insulate, depending on the material you use, the square footage of your attic, and any contractor’s fees. For the DIY -er, two types of insulation are common—loose fill and batting. According to HomeAdvisor, they …Seal Your Pipes. Any pipes that run into your attic should be sealed with foam insulation for two reasons. The first reason is to save energy by preventing heat loss from hot water lines. The second reason is to protect the pipes against freezing if you live in a colder climate. To insulate the pipes, simply slice pipe insulation vertically and ...It’s common for owners of older homes to post questions on GBA about installing attic insulation. A typical question might read, “When I visited my attic, I found that the attic floor has only 6 inches of insulation. I want to add enough insulation to achieve R-49, but there isn’t enough space between the top plates of the exterior walls ...Ventilation and insulation. Heat and moisture rise. This often means having to add air-conditioning, ceiling or window fans, and/or windows. The Lyons installed windows at each end of the roof to promote cross-ventilation. A layer of spray foam insulation under the roof and in the walls will help cut their heating and cooling costs.Apply small tape pieces across the insulation seam to hold it in place. Then seal the entire seam length with a long tape strip. Eliminate any insulation surface gaps, which let convection currents bypass the insulation. Carefully cut and fit the insulation where branch lines and registers come off the main trunk line.Clean the attic: Start by removing any debris, dust, or dirt from the attic space. Use a broom or vacuum to thoroughly clean the area. Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and a dust mask. Seal air leaks: Insulation is most effective when there are no air leaks in the attic.Feb 22, 2024 · 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 labor and materials). Smaller attic insulation ... Here’s how fix them! ⦁ Around attic windows: Use a canned, minimally-expanding spray foam around the casing and weatherstripping to seal leaks around the sash and jambs. ⦁ Around pipes, wires, exhaust fans, and ducts: You can use fire-blocking caulk to seal gaps that are ¼ inch or less and fire-blocking spray foam to seal larger ones up ...Spray foam insulation: $3–$7 per square foot installed professionally. For a 1,500-square-foot attic, expect to spend around $1,500 to add cellulose insulation professionally. DIY fiberglass installation may cost $500–$750 in materials. Get multiple quotes when hiring an insulation company.Insulate a 1,000 Sq.Ft. Attic. The full cost range to insulate a 1,000 sq.ft. attic is $1,000 to $7,000, with most people paying between $2,000 and $3,250. 1,000 sq.ft. is one of the most common sizes for attics.Insulation can be added to …) But owners of older homes — homes built before thick ceiling insulation was code-mandated — often discover that the attic lacks enough room near the eaves to accommodate minimum amounts of insulation. In many cases, the vertical distance between the top plates of the exterior walls and the underside of the roof sheathing is …May 13, 2021 · 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... Inspect the exterior walls by using an electrical outlet: Turn off the power to the outlet. Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of ... Oct 23, 2020 ... A radiant barrier is specialized roof insulation that reduces attic temperatures by up to 30 degrees in the summer. It is used in conjunction ...My original plan was to build a conditioned attic and place 1.5” of foam XPS board (r7.5) installation on top of the roof deck and, fill the old true 2x4 rafters and rafter walls with closed cell insulation, and If able, attach 3” of foam XPS board (r15) to the rafters in the attic. Cost of blown-in cellulose attic insulation. The average cost for blown-in cellulose attic insulation is between 0.83 and 0.91 for materials. Again, this doesn’t include labor, air sealing, old insulation removal, or equipment rental to blow in the material. A DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR. Sealing and Insulating are often the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient — and you can do it yourself with guidance from ENERGY STAR. Use This Guide To: Learn how to find and seal hidden attic and basement air leaks; Determine if your attic ... Remove the flooring and add batt, roll or foam board insulation and a vapor barrier. Replace the floor with new 3/4-tongue and groove plywood. 5. Seal Gaps With Spray Foam. When all of your ...Jul 8, 2021 ... Wondering how roof insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer? In this quick video, I teach you why and how to ...It’s common for owners of older homes to post questions on GBA about installing attic insulation. A typical question might read, “When I visited my attic, I found that the attic floor has only 6 inches of insulation. I want to add enough insulation to achieve R-49, but there isn’t enough space between the top plates of the exterior walls ...Insulate the attic floor: The attic floor should be insulated to prevent heat transfer between the attic and the living space below. Lay down insulation in-between the floor joists, making sure it is snugly fitted and covers the entire area. Use a utility knife to trim the insulation to fit around any obstructions like pipes or wiring.Generally speaking, attic insulation can cost anywhere from $1,100 to $1,500, or between $1.50 to $3.50 per foot, depending on the material you choose and how much space you need to cover. As we noted earlier, blown-in insulation is …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 …
Insulating the space under your roof. Letting your taps drip. Let’s look at all of these steps in more detail. Insulate Exposed Attic Pipes. Insulating your attic pipes will keep them from freezing during the coldest months. You might have some extra batts of fiberglass insulation lying around and simply put them on top of the pipes.. Where to watch the evil dead
Learn how to choose the best type of insulation for your attic, whether it's finished or unfinished, and how to install it correctly. Find out the benefits and drawbacks of batts-and-blankets, rigid foam and …Position the screw eyes so the weatherstrip is slightly compressed when the hooks are latched. Cut a piece of fiberglass or rigid foam board insulation the same size as the attic hatch and nail or glue it to the back of the hatch. If you have pull-down attic stairs or an attic door, these should be sealed in a similar manner: weatherstrip the ...6. Start With the Attic Floor. Adding insulation to the attic floor is probably the easiest and least-expensive way to weatherize your attic. To do so, you’ll need to pull up plywood flooring, leaving just the exposed floor joists. Then add in a new layer of insulation atop any existing material.Often, people throw insulation into the attic which blocks the vents to the outside air, turning the attic into a greenhouse. Current thinking is that you should have a combination of soffit vents and ridge vents. The required amount of ventilation is a "net free ventilation area" (NFVA) of 1/150 of the square footage of the attic. ...Similar to wearing a warm hat in the winter, insulating your attic is one of the easiest and most cost effective solutions to create a comfortable home year-round. Attics specifically require a thicker layer of insulation with higher R-value, because the higher points in a home are always subjected to greater temperature extremes. In addition ...Step 4: Insulate the HVAC Ducts. Now that you have determined the insulation requirements, gathered the necessary materials and tools, and prepared the attic, it’s time to insulate the HVAC ducts in your attic. Insulating the ductwork will help prevent heat loss or gain and ensure efficient air distribution.Below are the components from the table that are applicable to sealing and insulating attic knee walls. R402.4.1.1/N1102.4.1.1, Air Barrier and Insulation Installation Table. Walls – The junction of the top plate and top of exterior walls should be sealed. Exterior thermal envelope insulation for framed walls should be installed in ...Learn about the benefits, types, and installation of attic insulation for your home. Find out how to inspect, measure, and choose the right insulation material and R-value for your … Inspect the exterior walls by using an electrical outlet: Turn off the power to the outlet. Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of ... Ventilation and insulation. Heat and moisture rise. This often means having to add air-conditioning, ceiling or window fans, and/or windows. The Lyons installed windows at each end of the roof to promote cross-ventilation. A layer of spray foam insulation under the roof and in the walls will help cut their heating and cooling costs. Feb 6, 2017 · Step No. 3: Keep soffits clear. While insulation should extend all the way to the exterior wall, take care to not block the soffits. These are openings under the edges of your roof that help ... Get a free attic inspection and quote to insulate your attic. Generally speaking, attic insulation can cost anywhere from $1,100 to $1,500, or between $1.50 to $3.50 per foot, depending on the material you choose and how much space you need to cover. As we noted earlier, blown-in insulation is the cheapest option. Insulation is a wise choice to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Quality insulation will make it more cost-effective to heat and cool your home, The Department of Energy’s estimates range from a 10% to 50% savings, depending on several factors. However, attic insulation isn’t just about heating. 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...How to Insulate an Attic (and DIY Mistakes to Avoid) Attic insulation is a no-brainer when it comes to saving money. Follow this easy guide to get the job done. By Kimberly …Insulate an Attic Door · 1. Buy some rigid foam insulation, like what I used (DOW, TUFF-R Commercial polyisocyanurate insulation with reflective/radiant barrier ...If you need regular access to your attic, it makes sense to build a catwalk before you insulate the floor of your attic. To build a catwalk, you would usually elevate a section of the framing -- perhaps with 2x6s installed at 90 degrees to the joists -- and you would install OSB or plywood on top of the elevated framing..