Insulating Attic Tips

Tips on increasing attic insulation efficiency houses can lose a lot of heat through the attic space.

Insulating attic tips.

During winter attic insulation keeps heated room air from escaping up into the attic and in summer insulation prevents hot attic air from heating up the living spaces below. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing. Use caulk and expanding foam the fire blocking type sealant to close air gaps around pipes ducts and electrical wires where they enter the attic. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.

Some pros prefer it to utility knives because the large blade easily slices through the thick material. One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days.

Insulating a finished attic there are two basic ways to insulate a finished attic. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Find out how much insulation should be in an attic and get some tips about this easy upgrade. In attics vapor barrier on insulation should face down toward the living space.

Since warm air has a tendency to rise and cool air to fall insulating the attic is the place to start. By the end of the weekend you re going to be sore and tired. Use a chef s knife to cut batts. In this case the area behind the knee wall will be uncomfortably hot or cold.

But saving 1 000 or more with blown in ceiling insulation will make up for your aching back. Insulation levels are specified by r value. If the attic is used as a living space say a home office or play room the insulation should be placed between the rafters. Pull down stair or ladder.

Cut slits in the vapor barrier to allow moisture to escape. Use the fire blocking type. Start by installing temporary lighting such as clip lights and laying a few sturdy boards along the joists to create a walkway. Before installing or adding attic insulation take these steps.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. If it is installed incorrectly with the vapor barrier facing up then the insulation will trap moisture causing possible water problems. Check the attic to make sure the insulation is installed properly. While your entire house should be insulated there s arguably no more important place to install insulation than in the attic.