Insulating your attic is a great way to save money on energy bills and improve the air quality of your home. But it's important to understand the safety precautions and the right materials to use for the job. Hiring an expert is always recommended, but if you're feeling confident, you can tackle the project yourself with this comprehensive DIY guide. Before you start, it's essential to know what type of insulation is best for your climate.
Zone 7 includes most of Alaska, the northernmost parts of the continental United States, and areas of Wyoming and Colorado with high altitudes. At the opposite extreme, Zone 1 is the warmest region, including South Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. When it comes to attic insulation, fiberglass blocks or rolls are economical and generally easier to install than loose cellulose. If you're in the design phase of planning your new home, consider using structural insulating panels, insulating concrete moldings, and insulated concrete blocks.
Even in a house with a basement without air conditioning, the basement is more connected to other living spaces than to the outside, making the insulation of the basement walls preferable to the insulation of the ceiling. If you're ready to start insulating your attic, make sure you wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself. Wadding and blankets can be removed by hand with some tools. Surplus cellulose will need to be vacuumed with an HP-Plus 1500 hp bucket vacuum. Store removed insulation in large garbage bags. When installing new insulation, a ventilation deflector must be installed between the insulation and the roof covering to maintain the ventilation channel.
If your attic already has sufficient insulation and adequate air sealing, but your house is still drafty and cold in winter or too hot in summer, you'll most likely need to add insulation to the exterior walls. If you're on a tight budget or have a large attic to insulate, it's best to insulate the attic floor. Also insulate and air seal the knee walls (vertical walls with an attic just behind them) of your home. The optimal foundation, insulation materials, and location vary depending on the climate, so consult a local insulation professional if you're planning a new home. Once you've installed your insulation correctly, it should last 10 or 15 years. Having a well-insulated attic can save you a lot on heating bills.
Plus, what are you going to do with all that extra money? Consider doing other projects around your home such as placing insulation on attic beams, creating risers and installing floors which can transform your attic into a living space. Garage insulation can be just as effective in reducing costs and investing in housing. Plus, don't hesitate to tackle your next project - finishing your basement! Insulating your attic doesn't have to be intimidating - it's a project that's feasible with the right preparation. This guide provides all of the information necessary for DIYers who want to take on this project themselves. With proper safety precautions and knowledge of what type of insulation is best for your climate zone, you can save money on energy bills while improving air quality in your home.
