Attic insulation in ranch home

lchilds72 · 11-28-2008, 06:09 PM

Just moved into a smallish ranch home and would like to get some additional insulation into attic. Problem is that attic is accessible only from a ladder and a small opening in ceiling. How do I get it up there? The opening is only 18 x 36

rjniles · 11-28-2008, 07:07 PM

I would consider installing a pull down attic stairway. Requires cutting a larger opening (maybe in a location other than the existing opening). A DIY job for someone reasonably handy. Also could provide additional storage for seasonal items (like Christmas decorations).

Winchester · 11-28-2008, 07:18 PM

Blown-in cellulose only uses like a 3" hose. Went easliy up my attic access which is about the same size as yours.

**joasis** · 11-28-2008, 10:00 PM

The insulator won't have trouble getting in the hole...when we frame houses, we step between 16 inch studs on center all the time.

lchilds72 · 11-29-2008, 11:36 AM

Tks for all the suggestions- looking to rent the blower from Home Depot and make it a do it yourself project!

**joasis** · 11-29-2008, 11:47 AM

There you go.....add at least 6 to 8 inches, and you will be happy with the result.

DUDE! · 11-29-2008, 12:04 PM

as for the blower, look into it some, I was checking on this before a change of plans,, heard some not so nice stories on the blowers from big box store not being in the best shape. Some suggested buying your insulation from big box, renting a machine from a rental company, When I had checked, it was at a brand new Lowe's, free rental on certain amount of bags, and the machines were still nice an shiney.

11-28-2008, 06:09 PM	#1
lchilds72 Newbie but determined Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2	Attic insulation in ranch home Just moved into a smallish ranch home and would like to get some additional insulation into attic. Problem is that attic is accessible only from a ladder and a small opening in ceiling. How do I get it up there? The opening is only 18 x 36

11-28-2008, 07:07 PM	#2
rjniles A "Handy Husband" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Carolina Low Country Posts: 2,961	Attic insulation in ranch home I would consider installing a pull down attic stairway. Requires cutting a larger opening (maybe in a location other than the existing opening). A DIY job for someone reasonably handy. Also could provide additional storage for seasonal items (like Christmas decorations).

11-28-2008, 07:18 PM	#3
Winchester What can I find here? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 188	Attic insulation in ranch home Blown-in cellulose only uses like a 3" hose. Went easliy up my attic access which is about the same size as yours.

11-28-2008, 10:00 PM	#4
joasis General Contractor Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 868	Attic insulation in ranch home The insulator won't have trouble getting in the hole...when we frame houses, we step between 16 inch studs on center all the time. __________________ Ladwig Construction Hennessey, Oklahoma 405 853 1563

11-29-2008, 11:36 AM	#5
lchilds72 Newbie but determined Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2	Attic insulation in ranch home Tks for all the suggestions- looking to rent the blower from Home Depot and make it a do it yourself project!

Attic insulation in ranch home