How To Improve Attic Insulation

The higher the r value the more effective the insulation.

How to improve attic insulation.

Otherwise you ll need to grab a ruler and place it into the insulation pressing gently down to the surface. Look at your eaves and roof. Butt a cardboard template against the fascia and mark your soffit hole locations to begin. Energy star recommends performing a touch test on the ceilings.

Add soffit venting first. Did you know that 42 of the energy used in homes goes to space heating. Keep adding layers until you get to r 38. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets and vice versa.

A hot ceiling tells you that the attic is acting like a solar oven raising your cooling bills and. It needs to be unfaced. A well ventilated attic offers four benefits. 5 ways to make your attic more energy efficient 1.

Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and. Measure first before you stick it onto the attic door with tape. The best way to insulate attic doors is to make a pillow made of insulation batting. Attic fans are a good option for regulating your.

Homes built before the 1970s may lack proper attic insulation or contain gaps between the joists or rafters. It prevents mildew growth and rot on your roof s framing and sheathing by. There are a few quick tests that can help homeowners decide if they need more insulation. If you use fiberglass over loose fill make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing.

Touch your ceiling on a warm sunny day. Use energy efficient attic fans to regulate your home climate. Your roof vents may not look. Some insulation batts display their r value in plain print so they re easy to find.

If the attic is unfinished the insulation should be installed on the floor. Note the number mark on the ruler corresponding to the top of insulation. Since warm air has a tendency to rise and cool air to fall insulating the attic is the place to start. If the attic is used as a living space say a home office or play room the insulation should be placed between the rafters.

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. Install energy efficient ventilation to improve air circulation in your attic. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. To install it just lay it across the joists.

Add foam to the edges to keep it air sealed. Venting an attic allows outdoor air. Insulation remains the single best way to improve attic efficiency.