Mike writes from Pine Grove, Pennsylvania: "I have an older home. I am not going to use the attic. There is a floor up in the attic also. Can I just roll insulation right on the floor? Or do I have to put it between the joists? And will it benefit me to put it right on the attic floor. I don't really want to rip the floor up and put down insulation. I got an Idea of just rolling it on the floor. What are your thoughts?"

Answer: Insulating directly over the attic floor is not a problem if the existing floor joists are already insulated. You should also check to make sure the band joists are properly insulated. Band joists are where the floor joists meet the exterior wall. If the band joists are not properly insulated, cold air will enter between the attic and living space.

If there is no insulation in the existing floor joists between the attic and living space, I recommend that the plywood be removed. The insulating project can then be done properly.