How To Improve Attic Insulation

A well ventilated attic offers four benefits.

How to improve attic insulation.

More insulation installation tricks and tips work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just. If the attic is unfinished the insulation should be installed on the floor. Add foam to the edges to keep it air sealed. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa.

The best way to insulate attic doors is to make a pillow made of insulation batting. Your roof vents may not look. Attic fans are a good option for regulating your. Butt a cardboard template against the fascia and mark your soffit hole locations to begin.

Look at your eaves and roof. If you don t see any attic vents on the roof or in the eaves you need to add some. If you already have six inches of insulation and you want to get to the recommended r 38 add an attic blanket it s also made of fiberglass but it has no paper backing. There are a few quick tests that can help homeowners decide if they need more insulation.

Some insulation batts display their r value in plain print so they re easy to find. Use energy efficient attic fans to regulate your home climate. Homes built before the 1970s may lack proper attic insulation or contain gaps between the joists or rafters. Since warm air has a tendency to rise and cool air to fall insulating the attic is the place to start.

If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing. Energy star recommends performing a touch test on the ceilings. It needs to be unfaced. Note the number mark on the ruler corresponding to the top of insulation.

Add soffit venting first. To install it just lay it across the joists. It prevents mildew growth and rot on your roof s framing and sheathing by. Keep adding layers until you get to r 38.

When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. Did you know that 42 of the energy used in homes goes to space heating. Otherwise you ll need to grab a ruler and place it into the insulation pressing gently down to the surface. Measure first before you stick it onto the attic door with tape.

Venting an attic allows outdoor air. A hot ceiling tells you that the attic is acting like a solar oven raising your cooling bills and. The higher the r value the more effective the insulation. Touch your ceiling on a warm sunny day.

5 ways to make your attic more energy efficient 1. If the attic is used as a living space say a home office or play room the insulation should be placed between the rafters. Install energy efficient ventilation to improve air circulation in your attic.