How can I insulate ceilings without major construction?

Question

I have recently found out that there is no insulation between our first and second floors in my house. Upstairs is always pretty warm but we didn't find out until we heard mice scurrying and had the exterminator in and he told us the area wasn't insulated. With the winter coming, and having oil heat I would like to keep some of the heat on the first floor. Is there any way to insulate without having major construction?

Answer 1

I have been building for over 25 yrs and only insulate between floors when noise reduction is desired. If heat loss to the second floor is a problem for you try closing off the second floor. Perhaps install a door at the foot of the stairs and keep it closed when you want the first floor warmer. Good luck :)

Answer 2

It sounds simple enough but your still going to have to demo the ceilings to get insulating in there. Definitely don't demo the floor because the will cost way too much money. But demo of a few ceilings and just sheet rock shouldn't be a problem, unless you live in a palace...good luck on your project!

Answer 3

No.  It would be much easier to find a place to put in a circulating fan, to draw heat from the second floor to the first.  Maybe install a ceiling fan above the stairway.

Answer 4

The only thing you need to insulate in your home is the exterior walls and ceilings that border your attic. No interior walls or floors like in a two story. If you want to do something add more insulation to your attic that is the only thing that may help besides being sure all your windows have a good caulk job on them. Ceiling fans help even in winter I have one in every room except the kitchen. Just reverse them in the winter so they blow up and circulate the warmer air off the ceiling.

Answer 5

we dont insulate between floors......waste of money, the hot air is still going to raise to the  second floor thru stairs....east coast here.

lic. gen. contractor