To get the most out of your attic it needs to be properly insulated, and these ideas can help. Proper insulation can lower the cost of your energy bills, allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature in your house, increase your overall energy efficiency, help manage noise levels, control moisture, and sustain a healthier environment. It is almost impossible to have too much insulation, and if you’re not sure if you have enough, then it is a good idea to peek through your attic with a ladder and a flashlight. Furthermore, you can measure whether the insulation is up to approximately 19 inches deep by taking a yardstick or tape measure into the existing insulation.
Adding Insulation
There are several ways that you may want to add insulation to your attic. If your attic already has insulation that rises to the top of the joists, additional batts, which are various lengths of pre-cut panels of insulation, or rolls, which are long strips of insulation rolled up, may be added perpendicular to the joists. It is recommended that you use rolls for covering large open area and batts to insulate interior and exterior walls. Additional insulation can be blown in as required. Blow-in insulation consists of loose-fill material, and is made for hard-to-reach areas, like corners and edges; it does not settle or decay. Otherwise, unwanted noise may be controlled with unfaced insulation in internal walls and to assist with additional moisture control.
Temperature Control
There are various solutions to temperature related problems. By properly fixing the insulation in your attic, you may able to resolve weather problems related to either extremely hot or cold conditions. If you deal with frigid weather, you may be facing a cycle where heated air escapes into the attic and the cold air draws into the rest of the house. If you are, create a thermal envelope: one good way to do this is by sealing the attic air hatch and insulating all exterior walls that separate conditioned space from unconditioned space. Ensure that the conditioned living spaces of the home are sealed with insulation. You may be able to control heat leakage with blow in insulation around openings like window and door frames and any openings where wires or pipes go through the envelope.
Ventilation
Also, another good idea is to ventilate; doing so will prevent cold air entering your house through your roof. It is a good idea to ventilate as much as possible, so make sure insulation doesn't block soffit vents. No insulation should touch with any part of the roof or block any vents that will prevent air from circulating. Check the attic ceiling for water stains or marks. They indicate roof leaks or lack of ventilation. By keeping your attic sealed and insulated at the attic floor, you will be bettering the air quality for your house. If you don’t create a ventilation system, warm moist air may condense in the cooler attic and be absorbed by the insulation, making any attempts of improving the temperature of your house useless.
In warmer conditions, it is also feasible to create and utilize a vapor barrier between warm living space and the cold attic. In warmer conditions, moist air produced at home will rise into the attic and cause rotting on the underside of the roof, leading to mold and mildew. Check your vapor barrier for air leaks, which are often found around the attic hatch, plumbing stacks, ducts and ceiling light fixtures that enter the attic and seal them. When reducing vapor, it is a good idea to use facing, which is commonly made from Kraft paper or foil.
Insulation Materials
Generally, there are a variety of insulation materials, each with an "R" value, which stands for the resistance to heat flow; the higher the R-value, the greater the resistance. You may determine your R-values through an energy assessment, the home builder, or through your own inspection. The U.S. Department of Energy has a Zip-Code Insulation program that will you determine how much insulation should be added to retain and maximize energy efficiency in your house.
Repair Damaged Areas
Lastly, make repairs before you insulate. If your attic gets soaked, allow your vents to circulate fresh air. If your electrical system is safe and you have an attic fan, turn it on to let your attic dry. Air conditioners will not be helpful to expedite the drying. Long periods of wet insulation will breed high moisture conditions and damage your home. If mildew develops, a weak solution of Clorox and water will disinfect your attic.
Many different types of vents and insulation products exist on the market for roofs and soffits. Visit your local home improvement store or Lowes, and check with your roofing professional or your contractor to select the best ones for you.
By
Sabarri Haque
Article Source: homeandgardenideas.com
Back to Ceiling Insulation Articles & Resources
