# What Homeowners Need to Know About Insulating An Attic

- Link: https://alpscomfortair.com/what-homeowners-need-to-know-about-insulating-an-attic/
- Published: 2015-08-27T23:33:06+00:00
- Author: kathypuig

**Attic insulation is a very important part of owning a home. Proper insulation 
means better heating in the winter and better cooling in the summer. According to
the Department of Energy, stabilizing temperatures can reduce a home energy bill
by as much as fifty percent. Important factors to consider include:**

**⌊Screen Shot 2015-08-27 at 4.26.48 PM⌉⌊Screen Shot 2015-08-27 at 4.26.48 PM⌉Choosing
the Right Material. **Before starting a project, research what material works best
for you. Loose fill blows insulation fiber into place to a specific depth and density.
This process can be do-it-yourself but requires special equipment and may not produce
optimal results. Blanket insulation, or batt, is available in rolls of varying sizes
and thicknesses. The ability to add layers of varying material makes this an easier
DIY project.

**Verify What You Are Working With**. Measure your current insulation’s thickness.
Check online or with a professional to determine if any material is worth saving.
Homes built prior to 1990 may need to be tested for asbestos, which would need to
be removed and disposed of by a specialist.

**Measure Twice, Cut Once. **Know how much material is needed to complete the project
by measuring your attic’s square footage. Loose fill will have amounts listed on
the backs of bags. Batt measurements will be based on the length/width of the roll.
Make sure to buy a little extra, just in case.

**Number One Thing to Watch For…Airleaks! **Without proper priming, insulation is
rendered useless. Use spray foam around windows and fire retardant caulk/spray foam
around pipes, wires, fans, and ducts. Furnace cement can be used around chimneys
and flues.

**Before You Begin… **There are a few precautions to take before taking on a large
insulation project. Make sure to patch all roof leaks. This prevents water from 
ruining all of your hard work. Moisture turns to mold, which is insulation’s worst
enemy. Be sure all lights are specifically designed to come in contact with insulation,
or that they are housed at a proper distance, in order to avoid a fire hazard. Point
all exhaust fans outside to properly ventilate your space.

**Protecting Your Biggest Asset: You. **Equipment like goggles, long pants and long
sleeves are essential to protect yourself from exposure to fibers. Masks can keep
you from inhaling dangerous material. Proper lighting ensures a clear view of workspace.
Plywood can be used as a stable surface to stand on, instead of relying on small
joists, where it can be easy to lose your footing.

**Covering all Access Points**. All doors and hatches should be surrounded by weather
stripping. Tents can be used to cover pull down stairs and ladders. Covering access
points eliminates air and unnecessary moisture from entering the space.

**Helpful Hints.** Work from outer corners to the middle of the space, otherwise
you may crush your freshly laid insulation. Be sure to shower immediately after 
working to eliminate fibers from skin. All work clothing should be thoroughly washed.
Use depth guides to ensure uniformity with loose fills. Batts should be cut to fit
around obstacles, cramming can reduce effectiveness. Make sure to eliminate all 
gaps. Batts can be cut with a chef’s knife, a large blade that is also cost effective.
Batts should be laid with heavy layers on the bottom and lighter layers, like cotton,
should be laid on top. This helps avoid compression, which can reduce effectiveness.

Insulating your attic can be an overwhelming project. But with the right information,
it can be a great way to increase the value of your home while decreasing the amount
spent on your monthly energy bill. Attic insulation can be a great DIY project, 
but it never hurts to have a professional on standby. Contact us with any questions
or to receive a referral for insulation services.