You’ve heard that insulating your attic will help reduce your energy costs, and you’re ready to get started. However, before you throw on a pair of gloves and head upstairs, you need to make sure you’ve done your homework. Installing insulation is more complicated than many people realize, but when done correctly, it’s worth its weight in gold. Consider these things before you buy new insulation material for your home.
The Structural Integrity of Your Attic
You don’t want to insulate a damaged attic. If you do, you may end up opening a bigger can of worms in the process. Before you purchase any insulation, you need to do a thorough inspection of the space.
Head inside and take a look at the rafters. Are they in good condition? If you notice any wood rot or damage, now is the time to fix it. After all, sagging beams may not be able to support the weight of new insulation, and you don’t want your ceiling to cave in during the process.
You should also take a look at the walls and make sure you don’t spot any mold. Water damage in the attic is widespread, but most homeowners don’t realize they have a problem. While you’re inside the attic, look for any signs of water damage, including rots, stains, or mold growth. All these issues need adequate addressing before laying any insulation.
Properly Seal the Attic
The goal of insulating your attic is to boost energy-efficiency. The better the insulation, the less likely you are to experience drafty rooms or uneven temperatures. However, if you have any cracks or gaps in the walls or roof, they could negate all your hard work.
Before you put in new insulation, you need seal your attic. This step includes filling any gap, cracks, or crevices that may allow air to escape to the outside world. Remember, any loss of air will negatively affect your energy consumption.
Now is also the time to look over your roof’s ventilation system. Make sure it’s in working order and unblock any vents. If you don’t, your attic may overheat. Of course, you should also close off any leaks. You can seal any areas in your attic using expanding foam or caulk.
Choose the Right Insulation Material
Did you know that you have options when it comes to attic insulation? Many homeowners mistakenly think that any type of insulation will do. While this may be true to some extent, picking the material according to your home’s needs will serve you better in the long run.
The main types of insulation include blow-in, batt, and spray foam. Your attic may need one type or a combination of the three. All insulation materials come with an R-value number, which determines the thermal resistance of the material. Insulation with a higher R-value will retain heat in your home better, which is ideal if you live in a colder climate.
Choosing a material comes down to the size of your attic, the desired R-value, and your budget. Instead of picking out the insulation on your own, it’s wiser to work alongside an expert who can lead you in the right direction. After all, you want your new insulation to last for several years.
Professionals Do It Better
Sure, installing attic insulation can be a DIY project, but do you want to take on this job alone? It’s often faster and more cost-efficient to hire an expert to install it for you. Working with a contractor will make sure you get the best insulation for your money. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that someone did the installation with the right experience and tools.
When the time comes to install new insulation in your attic, Your Home Experts® wants to help. We specialize in all types of attic insulation services, including cleaning, removal, and installation. As an insured and licensed company, you can count on us to do the job right the first time. Call Your Home Experts® today to book our contractors for superior insulation installation.
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