Poorly insulated attics enable expensive heated or cooled air to escape your house, wasting both energy and money. With the addition of insulation to your attic, you’ll not just lower your monthly utility bills, but also appreciate improved energy efficiency and increased comfort throughout the year. By lowering energy consumption, attic insulation also protects the environment from pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Best of all, insulation is relatively easy to install, and also the average attic can be completed within the span of a weekend. When the time comes to sell your house, a well-insulated attic is a plus.
Calculate Insulation Needs
Measure how much insulation you already have. Check the depth by means of a tape measure.
Multiply the number of inches of insulating material from the R-value per inch. As stated by the U.S. Department of Energy, fibgerglass batts possess an R-value of 3.2 per inch, while loose fill fiberglass step R-2.5 percent inch. Rockwool offers R-2.8, whilst cellulose made from old newspaper measures R-3.7 percent inch.
Calculate how much insulation you need to include based on the suggested R-values to your region. Consult with the U.S. Department of Energy join in the Resources section to find advocated R-values for attics Locally. For most of California, for example, the recommended attic insulation ranges from R-30 into R-60.
Install Fiberglass Batts Over Existing Batt Insulation
Put on goggles and gloves to protect yourself while handling fiberglass insulation.
Cut fiberglass batts by scoring them with a utility knife. Size every slice to fit snugly between the floor joists in your attic.
Place the batts into the space between the joists, ensuring not to compress the material together. Add extra layers as needed to attain the desirable R-value.
Add Loose Fill Insulation to Existing Loose Fill
Rent a loose-fill insulation from a house improvement or hardware store.
Block all vents in the attic floor with baffles, ensuring to extend the baffles at least four inches above the projected thickness of your insulation.
Take a friend add substance into the hopper as you direct the blower or hose. Spray insulation into the corners and perimeter of the attic first, working your way into the middle. Direct the mill from the baffles and attic staircase to minimize cleanup.
Distribute the insulation on the attic floor by means of a push broom or rake. Measure the thickness of the loose fill material occasionally to attain the desired thickness and R-value.
