Attic Insulation Tips
Now that you have air-sealed both your attic and basement, you need to check your attic insulation levels and, if necessary add more. Your attic is the easiest place to add insulation, as it will greatly improve both the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
Do you have enough?
No matter what type of insulation you have in your attic, a quick way to determine if you require any more is to look across the span of your attic. If the insulation is level with or below your floor joists, then you should add some more. However, if you cannot see any of the floor joists due to the fact the insulation is above them, you have enough, and adding more is not cost-effective. It is, however, important the insulation be distributed evenly, so it has no low spots; sometimes there is sufficient insulation in the middle of the attic, and not enough along the eaves.
How much insulation do you need to add?
Insulation levels are rated by their R-Value. This is a measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the value, the better the performance of the insulation will be. The recommended level for attics is R-38 or approximately 10 – 14 inches, depending on the type of insulation you use.
Adding the right insulation
When it comes to adding insulation, you don’t have to use the same insulation that is already in your attic. You can choose loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets. If you do use fiberglass over loose-fill, you need to be sure the fiberglass batt does not have either a paper or foil backing; it must be “unfaced.” If you choose to loose-fill, you need to hire a professional, as this method uses a blowing machine, although there are a few home improvement stores that rent such machines.
If you would like to make an appointment for attic insulation, please contact Knight Insulation at (605) 202-8199 now, if you live in the Sioux Falls, SD region.
