Insulating Your Attic: The Necessary Steps to Take

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can reduce your heating or cooling needs by 30% just by properly insulating and weatherizing your home. This includes insulating your attic, the one place in the home that everyone seems to ignore. 

Are you ready to add some attic maintenance to your to-do list this year? Keep reading to see what the steps to insulating a residential attic are. 

1. Purchase Necessary Insulation

The two most popular materials for insulation are Fiberglass batt (blankets) and loose-fill (blown-in or cellulose). The type you choose will depend on the size of your attic, the climate, and other factors.

Make sure to wear proper safety gear when insulating your attic because both materials contain 40-60% glass which needs careful handling. 

You will also need many tools and supplies, like tape measures, caulk guns, safety gear, rakes, staple guns, and more. 

2. Prepare Your Attic by Sealing Air Leaks

Clear your attic of any boxes or storage items. Grab a notepad and pen and draw out a basic outline of your attic. Mark this outline as you search for air leaks, so you know exactly where the holes are. 

Remember that frequent air leaks occur around certain parts of your attic:

• Wiring holes
• Ducts
• Recessed lighting
• Pipes
• Windows
• Furnace flues
• Dropped soffits
• Exhaust fans

If you aren't sure what all this means, then consider hiring a full-service home improvement provider in your area. 

3. Install Attic Insulation 

Installing insulation is a technical process. Take a section of the batt, cut it and turn it over so that the vapor barrier is facing down. Then install it with paper side to the attic floor. 

Repeat this all around the attic, making sure to stuff it tightly between joists. 

Apply the second layer of batt, but this time you will remove the vapor barrier before application. Place it perpendicular to the first layer. Repeat it all around your attic. 

4. Don't Neglect Your Attic Entrance

A big hole that will need insulation is your attic entrance, whether it's a hatch with a ladder or just stairs. There's no point insulating your attic and forgetting about this big air leak point. 

Depending on the kind of attic entrance you have, you will have to insulate it differently. Once you are done with all these steps, you can bring your storage boxes back in again. But make sure not to place any storage items directly on the insulation, as compressing the insulation makes it lose a lot of its insulating effectiveness. 

Insulating Your Attic - Ready to Get It Done?

If it's your first time insulating your attic, you might be looking at the steps above and feeling a bit lost. Don't worry, though.

We are a home improvement service provider that can help you with attic insulation from start to finish, so contact us today. We will also do a home energy checkup for you so you will know exactly why your heating or cooling bills are so high.