How to Install Insulation in an Attic

Information may not be reliable

The amount of energy is takes to heat and cool your home is the largest portionof your monthly utility bill. You can easily control these costs by insulatingyour attic. When you have a home inspection and appraisal service completed, an attic evaluation will be completed as part of the package. If you do not specially know of a home inspection and appraisal service company, ASHI Suncoast can help you find the right company for your needs.

Safety Tips

·         Always follow all manufacturer’s directions for all products

·         Before insulating, make sure all electrical connections and wires arein good condition

·         Do not pull or bend any electrical wiring

·         Wear a mask to prevent inhalation of insulation fibers

·         Do not disturb vermiculite insulation

·         Cellulose should stay 3 inches away from chimneys

·         Insulation should be at least 3 inches away from recessed lighting and heat sources

·         Do not cover or pack insulation around stove pipes,electrical fixtures, motors or any heat-producing equipment

·         Insulation must meet federal or ASTMspecifications

UnflooredAttics

Batt or Roll Insulation

You need to lay unfacedbatts or rolls of insulation between the joists in the attic. You then need to cut them only when it is absolutely necessary, making sure to butt pieces together tightly. You need to slide the insulation under wiring if at all possible, taking the upmost care not to disturb any of the electrical connections. Cut the insulation so it fits snuglyaround all cross braces. For two layers of insulation,lay the second layer of insulation perpendicular to thefirst layer.

Loose-Fill Insulation

You need to pour or blow in the loose-fill insulationaccording to directions that are written on the bag, making sure to usethe coveragechart that is written on the bagto make sure that you achieve thedesired R-value that you need. You need to make sure you get the insulation in a uniformcoverage. Once you have used one-fourth of your bags of insulation, you need to make sure you have insulated one-fourth of your attic. Once you have used half of your bags of insulation, you need to make sure that you have insulated one half of the attic, etc. You need to make sure to fill in all spaces of the attic, while making sure that you are staying away at least 3 inches away from all heat sources. It is important that you do not block any ventilation. When you install loose-fill insulation, you need two people: one person is filling the insulation into the blowing machine, while the other person directs the insulation into the attic.

Floored Attics

The best type of insulation for insulating beneath an existing attic floor is blown-in insulation. Once you have the insulation under your floor, you can then addmore insulation on top of the floor. If you have a floored attic, it is recommendedthat a professional contractor do the work for you, which a home inspection & appraisal service company can recommend one for you.

Story-and-a-Half Attics

You need to blow the insulation into the space above the flat ceiling. You then need to install batts on the back of all of the kneewallswith the vapor barrier toward heated area of the attic. You then need to seal any air leaks between heatedand unheated space beforeyou insulate.