Make Your Home More Energy Efficient By Increasing Attic Insulation

Increasing attic insulation is very important for energy conservation and maintaining a warm and comfortable home. The attic space helps prevent heat loss from home in the colder months and helps keep the home cooler in the summer months. Insulation is a material that has millions of very tiny air pockets that trap heat. Most older homes have too little insulation. Modern homes are more likely to have adequate amounts of attic insulation. Insulation is rated using a measure called an R-value. In simple terms, the more air pockets per square inch, the higher the r-value of the insulation material.

The most common insulating material is fiberglass batt. These batts are manufactured in lengths of 8 feet. This type of insulation has a paper backing that aids in the blocking of moisture. If the insulation absorbs moisture, the R-values will be reduced. To be most effective, the insulation should not be compressed. The thicker the insulation, the higher the R-value.

To increase the R-value in an existing attic, the insulation can be doubled up. Bring the level of the insulation up to the level of the top of the floor joists. If the attic has a floor, you may raise the floor to provide more space for additional insulation batts. To accomplish this, the existing flooring has to be removed, and then new joists have to be attached across the older ones using 2X2 wood members. Insulation batts then can be installed, and the sections of the floor can be replaced.

The fiberglass batts can be easily cut with a pair of scissors or a utility knife. It helps compress the insulation with a 2×4 and then uses the edge of the wood member as a guide. Cut the insulation along the vapor barrier. Tuck the material between the attic floor joists and allow for four inches of clearance around high hat light fixtures and vents.

When working with fiberglass insulation, you must wear protective clothing because the fibers are known to irritate the lungs, skin, and eyes. Always wear heavy work gloves and a long sleeve shirt and pants. Were a pair of goggles and a respirator suitable for the application of fiberglass insulation. Always wash after installing insulation to remove irritating fibers.

Insulating the attic ceiling is not recommended. This application can often trap moisture behind the insulation, rot out the roof sheeting, and contribute to mold and mildew growth. This under the roof application can also lessen the roof covering’s life expectancy because it traps heat against the underside of the roof. Only insulate under the roof if the attic space is going to be finished. Install a vapor barrier and a separation between the insulation and the underside of the roof so moisture will not become trapped against the roof’s underside.

Insulation should not cover attic ventilation areas such as soffit vents, roof vents, and gable vents. Air circulation is essential in the attic to help keep things dry and warm in the winter and cooler in the summer months.

If your attic is not insulated correctly, you will experience heat loss through space. Adding insulation is a very economical way to help keep heat inside the home, lower utility bills, and help keep the attic space cooler in the warmer months. You can find more details about New and Improve attic insulation in New Orleans by browsing the internet make sure to choose the best insulation company.