Insulating Attic Tips

Find out how much insulation should be in an attic and get some tips about this easy upgrade.

Insulating attic tips.

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. Check the attic to make sure the insulation is installed properly. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.

But saving 1 000 or more with blown in ceiling insulation will make up for your aching back. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Insulating a finished attic there are two basic ways to insulate a finished attic. Start by installing temporary lighting such as clip lights and laying a few sturdy boards along the joists to create a walkway.

Use a chef s knife to cut batts. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. In attics vapor barrier on insulation should face down toward the living space. Some pros prefer it to utility knives because the large blade easily slices through the thick material.

If only the living space will be insulated wrap the insulation around the room s walls and ceiling and then continue along the floor of the non living space. Attic insulation is installed in the floor of the attic so you ll need to do a few things to make the process straightforward. Since warm air has a tendency to rise and cool air to fall insulating the attic is the place to start. Tips on increasing attic insulation efficiency houses can lose a lot of heat through the attic space.

If the attic is unfinished the insulation should be installed on the floor. If the attic is used as a living space say a home office or play room the insulation should be placed between the rafters. By the end of the weekend you re going to be sore and tired. 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.

One for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation. Use the fire blocking type. If it is installed incorrectly with the vapor barrier facing up then the insulation will trap moisture causing possible water problems. Cut and fit strips of 24 gauge sheet metal between the masonry chimney and the surrounding wood framing.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. To make insulating an attic easier grab a helper and set aside two days. Pull down stair or ladder. Cut slits in the vapor barrier to allow moisture to escape.