Installing batts- need tips

[z28snksknr]

So I'm replacing the existing insulation in the attic above my garage / family room. It's currently R-12 faced batts (installed upside down and most batts are now <2-3" thick). Anyway, the roof is a pretty low slope and I cannot reach into the corners where the joists meet the roof. The old stuff was stuffed in there and horribly compressed. Oh, the attic has no siffit vents, so the edge of the rooms = the edge of the attic.

My question is: how important to the insulation integrity is it to fill these corners?

There is some remnence of blown insulation under the existing batts. Should I just stuff the little bit of blown insulation in the corners, or is there any way I can do this with the batts? I would prefer a 100% new insulation install since it has vapor barrier.

Lastly, given the condition of the existing insulation, is it worth laying across the new stuff (tearing the vapor barrier on the old stuff first) or should I just throw it out?

 

[jerry j]

It is important to get the material to the edges....
Try to cover the top plate of the outer walls.. Important....

Use some kind of long stick to help you push it back there....

As far as the insulation w vapor barrier UP... Just take a razor knife and cut slices with the knife all over the vapor barrier, then put what you want on it.....

Good Luck.......

 

[KMR Construction]

blown in insulation is your best bet for this application. But if you are sold on batts take a piece of strapping and push it into the corners. just take your time and do a nice job