insulating the attic of a 1955 ranch..what is this foil film?
 

My house was built in '55 and doesn't have any insulation in the attic spaces. But, there is a paper/foil that has been stapled across the ceiling joists creating an air pocket between the paper and the drywall beneath.

I would like to add some insulation..not sure what type....but the question is in regards to the foil/film that is already in place....do I remove it all. It is original and was installed when the house was built. Over the years, many places have been torn and damaged.

What is this stuff, what does it do...and what do I do with it.

Thoughts?

-Joe

Just leave it. It was made to be a moisture barrier from the outside elements heat and so forth

It is a radiant barrier foil, used to keep the attic cooler from the solar gain. In your location, it would do little or nothing, possibly costing you more money to heat in the winter- blocking solar radiation. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/radiant/rb_tables.html#tablea1

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And: welcome to the forum!

Gary

Double hit.....

Gary

Yep - found some of that in my house as well (1930). I literally let out a chuckle and mumbled to myself "Are you what they thought of as a radiant barrier back in the day?"

Put it in my dads house in the sixties it didn't do anything. rip it out and insulate make sure you are well vented.