Do I Know If I Need Attic Insulation

If you find the ceiling beneath the attic is well above room temperature then it s a good idea to add more insulation there.

Do i know if i need attic insulation.

At a minimum homes should have attic insulation between r 22 and r 49 6 to 13 in. But you may find your money is better spent insulating outlets and. Then use the numbers in the chart at right to estimate its r value. A quick way to see if you need more insulation is to look across your attic floor.

If your insulation is just level with or below your floor joists i e you can easily see your joists you should add more. 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. 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.

Pull up and dispose of any material that s compressed water stained or moldy it s useless. Inspecting your attic insulation. Grab a tape measure and a flashlight to see what kind of insulation you already have in the attic and how deep it is. There are many types to choose from including blown in cellulose batt such as fiberglass mineral wool or cotton.

If you notice one or more of these occurring you probably need to take action. Of loose fill or 7 to 19 in. After confirming that your attic is air sealed you need to select insulation. There are four especially common signs of problems with attic insulation.

First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Courtesy of department of energy. Attic insulation is a key factor when trying to get the most out of your energy dollars. A properly insulated home can help reduce energy consumption while making your home more comfortable all year round.

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. Check with the local building department to find the recommended level for your area or visit energysavers gov. However there are a few easy things you can do to see if your attic is properly insulated.