How To Check Insulation In Attic

These days you can stuff your walls with everything from recycled blue jeans to soy based foam to keep temps comfortable year round.

How to check insulation in attic.

The higher the r number the higher the insulating factor typically is so it s worth checking. Ask your home inspector if the batts are facing the right direction. Check outlets on all. How to check attic ventilation calculate net free vent space.

Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. Without having a professional coming out to take a look at things it can be hard to tell if your attic is properly insulated. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall. Attics can be insulated in a number of ways including blowing in insulation or laying fiberglass batts.

First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Attic insulation by contrast is usually fairly easy to check on. Insulation has come a long way. Simply find the attic access panel usually located in a closet or hallway set up a ladder and pop your head into the 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. Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. If your attic is not sufficiently vented you probably won t have to look very hard to find signs. Level uneven spots with a rake.

Fill every joist space completely and evenly with the insulation leaving attic vents uncovered. Common signs of problems with insulation. Inspect the vent openings. Recommended levels of insulation.

Then use the numbers in the chart at right to estimate its r value. Visual check of insulation levels. Looking across your attic if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists you probably need to add more insulation. There are four especially common signs of problems with attic insulation.

Inspecting your attic insulation. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type 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. 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.

Pull up and dispose of any material that s compressed water stained or moldy it s useless. 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. Insulation is rated with an r value.

Find a pre screened local home insulation contractor.