Do I Know If I Need Attic Insulation

After confirming that your attic is air sealed you need to select insulation.

Do i know if i need attic insulation.

No matter what kind of insulation you currently have in your attic one quick way to determine if you need more is to look across the span of your attic. Grab a tape measure and a flashlight to see what kind of insulation you already have in the attic and how deep it is. Of loose fill or 7 to 19 in. A properly insulated home can help reduce energy consumption while making your home more comfortable all year round.

If you notice one or more of these occurring you probably need to take action. If you found wet and damp drywall and paneling during the touch test or uncomfortable rooms during the comfort test this is also a clear indication that your insulation needs an upgrade. Pull up and dispose of any material that s compressed water stained or moldy it s useless. Then use the numbers in the chart at right to estimate its r value.

At a minimum homes should have attic insulation between r 22 and r 49 6 to 13 in. Inspecting your attic insulation. Attic insulation is a key factor when trying to get the most out of your energy dollars. If your insulation level is at or below the top of the floor joists you probably need to add more insulation but remember to seal the air leaks before you insulate.

If you find the ceiling beneath the attic is well above room temperature then it s a good idea to add more insulation there. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. There are four especially common signs of problems with attic insulation. In most homes but especially in older homes adding insulation in the attic will cut heat loss.

Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. Even the most energy efficient heating and cooling systems will be forced to work harder in homes that are not properly insulated. Check with the local building department to find the recommended level for your area or visit energysavers gov. But you may find your money is better spent insulating outlets and.

A quick way to see if you need more insulation is to look across your attic floor. There are many types to choose from including blown in cellulose batt such as fiberglass mineral wool or cotton. Courtesy of department of energy.