Properly insulating a home is one of the best ways to keep it warm or cool without spending too much on heating and cooling bills. Insulation, when properly installed according to the appropriate R-value for the location and climate zone, will keep warm air and cool air from leaving the home as long as any leaks are sealed and the insulation is installed correctly.

Before starting an insulation job, it’s important to check for leaks around windows, pipes, exhaust fans, ducts, chimneys, flues, or any other areas where air can escape the attic or lower floors. If leaks are found, the proper caulking, spray foam, weather stripping, or metal flashing must be used to stop air from escaping. Any existing leaks will defeat the purpose of having insulation, because all the warm or cold air that was being kept either warm or cool with the help of the insulation, is being let out.

When it comes to air flow in the attic, it’s important to make sure not to cover soffit vents, regardless of whether it’s loose fill insulation or batt insulation being used. When installing insulation, it’s very easy to cover up these vents and doing so will keep the air flow through the soffits from keeping the roof cool, so be sure to speak with a licensed contractor for those who are at all unsure about this. If you reside in Arizona, be sure to contact DVP for all residential construction in Phoenix.

If the job requires insulating from scratch, either because there is no insulation or the project is to replace the existing insulation, the right type of vapor barrier must be used in the correct place. Vapor barriers keep moisture from coming in and ruining perfectly good insulation. For those living in a hot climate, the vapor barrier should be on top of the insulation. For those residing in a cold climate, the vapor barrier should be installed beneath the insulation.

After ensuring that any air leaks are taken care of and the vapor barrier is properly placed, the attic should be ready to start installing the insulation. Insulation that can irritate one’s eyes or skin, which is why professionals wear goggles, gloves, and a dust mask when doing the job. Another trick used by pros is to take a strong piece of wood and place over the joists, so not to try to balance on the thin rafters while doing the installation. Without these walking boards, one could easily fall through the ceiling. Wearing some type of light, such as a head-strapped light, definitely helps to illuminate the job.

Installation tips for both loose fill and batt insulation, as well as where to start and what to do with clothing afterwards.

Whether it’s loose fill or batt insulation, the best option is to start from the outside perimeter of the attic and then work towards the door or hatch to prevent traversing the insulation that is already put in, which could increase the chances of damaging it.

One should also make sure to cover the top so the joists, to ensure that insulation is deep enough, so that the desired R-value is reached.

Tips On Installing Loose Fill Insulation

• Put some type of blocking around hatch doors so that insulation can be put around the hatch without losing any of the material.
• Fill the insulation in evenly. This can be done easier by utilizing depth guides that can either be screws or a mark placed on the desired depth of the joists.
• To ensure the target R-value of the insulation project is met, always use at least the minimum number of bags called for in the materials calculations, not fewer. If the depths are correct and even, but there are still bags left over, use those. Spread them evenly throughout the attic. It’s always better to use too much rather than too little when it comes to insulation.
• The easiest way to make sure the insulation reaches the right density as it is installed, is to hold the nose of the blower parallel to the attic floor. The idea is to fill in-between the joints instead of trying to fill in across them.

Tips On Installing Batt Insulation

• When laying insulation, place layers perpendicular to each other to make sure any gaps on lower layers are covered by upper layers. Batts should be placed snug against each other without being so tight that the insulation becomes compressed.
• Never place heavier insulation on top of lighter insulation. For instance, do not place cotton insulation on top of fiberglass because the fiberglass will compress and reduce its effectiveness.
• If a batt runs into something obstructing it, cut around the object, don’t cram it in place because you will compress the material.
• Never leave gaps between batts and joints or walls. Any gap lets air escape. Cut thin strips of insulation to plug these gaps.

Once done with installing the insulation, it’s a good idea to shower thoroughly to ensure any material that could irritate one’s skin is washed off. It is also a good idea to wash all clothing, even if the job wasn’t finish and needs to be worked on the next day.

Depending on the state where the job is being performed, there could be rebates or credits for boosting the energy efficiency of a residential property. To view the different incentives offered by each state, go to: energy.gov/savings.

Image license: ShutterStock (view source)

The post How to Install Attic Insulation Professionally appeared first on DVP Professional Builders.