How To Check Insulation In Attic

Without having a professional coming out to take a look at things it can be hard to tell if your attic is properly insulated.

How to check insulation in attic.

Either read the r value printed on the batts of your existing insulation or use a measuring tape ruler to measure the depth of the insulation inches. Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. These days you can stuff your walls with everything from recycled blue jeans to soy based foam to keep temps comfortable year round. Insulation is rated with an r value.

However there are a few easy things you can do to see if your attic is properly insulated. You will instantly know whether or not you have insulation. Check outlets on all. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation.

You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall. Simply find the attic access panel usually located in a closet or hallway set up a ladder and pop your head into the attic. Attics can be insulated in a number of ways including blowing in insulation or laying fiberglass batts. With a helper to load the blower with insulation as needed start at the perimeter of the attic and work toward the attic access door.

Common signs of problems with insulation. Level uneven spots with a rake. The higher the r number the higher the insulating factor typically is so it s worth checking. Then use the numbers in the chart at right to estimate its r value.

If your attic is not sufficiently vented you probably won t have to look very hard to find signs. Looking across your attic if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists you probably need to add more insulation. Pull up and dispose of any material that s compressed water stained or moldy it s useless. Insulation has come a long way.

Inspecting your attic insulation. Fill every joist space completely and evenly with the insulation leaving attic vents uncovered. Courtesy of department of energy. Ask your home inspector if the batts are facing the right direction.

There are four especially common signs of problems with attic insulation. Visual check of insulation levels. But if you live in an older home with insulation installed before you moved in understanding what pads your walls is essential to keeping your family safe especially if your. Building codes typically require 1 square foot of venting space for every 150 square feet.

Find a pre screened local home insulation contractor. Inspect the vent openings. Attic insulation by contrast is usually fairly easy to check on. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.

Grab a tape measure and a flashlight to see what kind of insulation you already have in the attic and how deep it is.