Are you looking to save money on your home insulation project? Installing attic insulation yourself can be a great way to do just that. But before you get started, it's important to understand the different types of insulation available and the best methods for installation. Blown cellulose insulation is one of the most common types of insulation used in attics. It requires a machine to be rented for installation, so it may not be the best option for DIY hobbyists.
Foam boards are a bit more expensive, but they can be installed as a DIY project. Block and roll type insulation is much easier to install. Simply take it to the unrolled attic and unfold it, starting at the corner farthest from the hatch. To insulate the attic, be sure to use unlined blocks. The most economical method for a DIY hobbyist is to place uncoated fiberglass insulation over any existing insulation. It's important to know what type of insulation your attic currently has, as well as its R-value.
This will help you determine how much more you should add. In a cold climate, a good insulating layer in the attic helps keep the house cooler and reduces the burden on the air conditioning equipment. Insulating the attic with fiberglass blocks or rolls is economical and generally easier than blowing loose filler cellulose. Attic insulation traps precious heat in winter and fresh air in summer, extends roof life, reduces energy bills and even improves air quality. Once you have completed the first layer between the beams, you can decide to double the insulation for greater insulating value.
Whether you live in a state of warm weather or in a colder northern climate, it's difficult to stay comfortable and control your energy bills if you don't have adequate insulation in the attic. The budget might not allow it, but one way to improve your attic's insulation is to install a solar fan in the attic (1000 cfm) to discharge the hot air (preventatilator 170°F, rear fan 120°F).Most attics are insulated with loose blown cellulose (R-3.5 per inch), loose blown fiberglass (R-2.5 per inch), or fiberglass blocks (R-3.2 per inch). An insulating fan located at ground level passes cellulose insulation through a hose until a technician is in the attic. It's best to insulate the attic floor, especially if you're on a tight budget or if you have to insulate a large attic. When installing fiberglass insulation, make sure that the paper side of the insulation faces downward if your home is primarily heated. Often, people place insulation in the attic, blocking the vents that lead to outside air and turning the attic into a greenhouse. The type of insulation and its R-value will determine its depth in the attic floor and the thickness applied to the roof. Because much of the work is done crawling or squatting, it's often better to have an insulating company add insulation to the attic.
Don't worry if they seem to be installing more insulation than necessary; the material will settle with just the right thickness. As an expert in home insulation projects, I can tell you that installing attic insulation yourself can be an excellent way to save money on your project while still achieving great results. There are several types of insulation available for attics, including blown cellulose, foam boards, block and roll type insulation, and uncoated fiberglass insulation. It's important to know what type of insulation your attic currently has as well as its R-value so that you can determine how much more should be added for optimal results.
In cold climates, having an adequate insulating layer in your attic helps keep your house cooler and reduces strain on your air conditioning equipment. Attic insulation also traps heat in winter and fresh air in summer while extending roof life and reducing energy bills. If you're on a tight budget or need to insulate a large area, it's best to focus on insulating your attic floor with fiberglass blocks or rolls. If your budget allows it, consider installing a solar fan in your attic which will help discharge hot air from your home.
When installing fiberglass insulation, make sure that the paper side faces downward if your home is primarily heated. Additionally, be aware that blocking vents leading outside can turn your attic into a greenhouse so make sure that this doesn't happen when installing your insulation. Finally, because much of this work requires crawling or squatting, it may be better for an insulating company to add insulation to your attic instead of doing it yourself. Don't worry if they seem to be installing more than necessary; this material will settle with just the right thickness over time.
