In winter a cooler attic is more efficient for preventing ice dams because it keeps the roof cool.
Attic insulation dos and don ts.
Measuring it is the only way to find out its r value.
But if you don t do this you re setting yourself up for moisture problems.
Work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just put in.
The insulation should be able to expand just enough to fill the cavity without compressing.
For the best energy efficiency your attic should include both insulation and air vents.
Do s and don ts when insulating your attic by roy cobler september 27 2016 the insulation of a house is seen as a science of transforming a space into a more energy efficient house so it is understandable that you consider hiring experts when you want to install insulation in your attic.
When you add insulation to attic rafters and attic floors it s important to maintain at least a 1 in.
Crushing the insulation reduces the effectiveness of the product.
More in a space is not better.
A serrated bread knife is a good tool for both cutting and shifting the fiberglass.
Don t get carried away with installing a large number of vents all over your roof.
A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house with insulation in the walls and ceiling.
This air space flushes out moisture.
Insulation don ts now that you have been advised on what you should do in order of ending up with a successfully implemented insulation project it is time to move on to some insulation don ts.
Continuous air space between insulation and roof sheathing from eaves to ridge.
Split the batt to fit neatly behind the box and then cut the rest to fit around it.
Who wants to breath spun glass into their lungs.
Do include attic vents above insulation.
Do remove damaged insulation.
Wet or compressed insulation has no value for keeping your home warm.
Don t assume your home has adequate insulation.
If the insulation is at or below the level of the joists add more insulation.
A radiant barrier will maximize efficiency by minimizing surface temperature of the attic insulation.
Do it yourself insulating do s and don ts.
Attic insulation do s and don ts.
Do wear a mask and protective clothing when working with fiberglass insulation.
Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and to prevent thermal bridging the heat loss that occurs through the wood framing.
Don t pack the gaps around windows.
Never stuff insulation behind an electrical box.
Replace it with new insulation.
Firstly although some alternative insulation materials can do the trick and be less expensive such as cork or denim insulation please note that.
Do check your attic s level of insulation.
The whole point of attic ventilation is to pull air in from below and expel it through the top.
The insulation will keep heated or cooled air trapped below in your living space where you want it.
However most older attics are under insulated so it s a good idea to raise the r value where possible.
