How can I insulate my rented attic bedroom?

Q. I rent, and my bedroom is a large attic conversion. It's very energy inefficientâI can feel heat loss through the ceiling even on a cool summer night. How can I make it more energy efficient without making structural changes that will require my landlord's cooperation? I plan to put weatherstrip around the windows and I'm considering caulking the joists, but the only other thing I can think of is tacking blankets up on the walls and ceilingâa fire hazard, and not very elegant.

A. Hi, check out encapsulated insulation batts, it's insulation that is in a plastic type blanket. If you have knee walls and attic access, just staple it between the joists. When you move you might take it with you too! Another solution might be blue board, its a foam board that you could put up and tape seams making it tight, but it may have to be trimed just for that space and it's best to leave it. If your landlord pays any utitlity you might say you get the material I'll put it in. B

How much would it coast to get a heatorater and instalation put into an attic?

Q. The attic is a pretty decent size. I was thinking about adding a heatorater & installation so it wouldn't be just an empty room.

A. I know a guy whose attic contains 3,000 sq. ft. of floor space. Until you know size of the area you're dealing with, it will be impossible to answer your question.

How do you install insulation in attic with flooring?

Q. I need to put more insulation in my attic. It is finished for storage and has a wood floor. Where do I insulate? Do I just lay it on the floor for the winter and put my boxes on top? Do I need to do something special along the edges? What kind should I use and is there a tip for installing? Thanks!

A. If there is no insulation under the flooring (plywood or OSB usually used, you'll have to pry up the floor and place the insulation between the joists. Installing between the joists like I described is merely rolling it out and stuffing it in. Nothing special needed. Typical R-Value for an attic is R-38, but R-values of the insulation will depend on your area of the country. Check out this site for your areas specs:
http://www.powerhousetv.com/stellent2/groups/public/documents/pub/phtv_se_in_gs_000570.hcsp

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