4 Things You Should Know Before Insulating Your Attic

Written by  //  August 11, 2016  //  Construction Materials  //  Comments Off on 4 Things You Should Know Before Insulating Your Attic

When it comes to increasing the energy efficiency in your home and controlling the temperature of your roofing materials, it is important to have adequate insulation in your attic. The insulation will provide climate control in the building and can prevent drafts. Here are a few things you should know about attic insulation.

1. Insulation Materials

There are different types of insulation that are available for your attic. The most common are batt, blown, or sprayed. Fiberglass and cotton batts are made of long fibers and are easy to place in large spaces. Blown fiberglass is ideal for tight spaces that are hard to reach and is a material that is effective at filling in gaps that are present. Spray foam can also be used and is effective at moving the building envelope from the attic floor to the roofline.

2. Look for Nests

Many people make the mistake of adding insulation to their attic without having the space inspected for termites, birds, or other pests. This can cause damage to the insulation and require it to be replaced. Make it a point to remove the critters, repair the damage, and block off entryways before adding the insulation.

3. Check for Leaks

Leaks are another common threat to the integrity of insulation and can quickly damage it. Hire a roof inspector to look for any areas where leaks are present near the roof boards and have the damage repaired immediately.

4. Proper Ventilation in the Attic

Insulation that fails to have proper ventilation will suffer from mold and mildew due to moisture in the air. Replace matted insulation that is already in place and check all of the vents to ensure that they’re clear. Roof vents and attic fans can also be installed to promote proper air circulation in the space. According to Green Penguin Insulation, attic fans can reduce your home’s temperature by 7 to 12 degrees while also cutting the home’s energy bill by 30 percent. Attic fans can even protect the roofing materials from reaching high temperatures by preventing them from lifting or cracking caused by extreme temperatures.

Understandably, not a whole lot of thought typically goes into the insulation process of the home, especially the attic. But by prepping your space and doing the necessary research, your home will be better off with insulation done correctly. Both your home’s energy usage and the temperatures within the home will experience positive changes by doing so.

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