Attic insulation is a vital aspect of every homeowner’s energy-saving projects. By now you already know that it will enhance the comfort of your home and save you money. Do you also know that it’s possible for your attic insulation to cost you money? That’s exactly what improperly installed attic insulation will do!
Despite attic insulation being the easiest to install,1 homeowners end up making mistakes along the way. Some of the signs of an improper installation are the house feeling cold and high energy bills.
4 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid When It Comes to Your Attic
1 – Blocking off vents
You would think blocking the vents would ensure the attic is fully insulated but you couldn’t be any more wrong. Blocking the events restrict airflow into the attic, causing excess moisture to build up. In addition to accelerating moisture damage, the condensation also causes mold growth in the attic, posing a danger to you and your family.
Ready-made baffles strategically placed between the roof rafters could ensure the airflow is unrestricted.
2 – Using the wrong kind of insulation
Blankets and batts are very easy to install, making them a favorite among homeowners who have a reference for DIY projects. They are also very affordable and easy to work with but their R-value is low. This is a unit of measurement used to determine the heat resistance of an insulation material and the lower the R-value, the lower the effectiveness.
If your home gets extremely cold during the winter then this kind of insulation won’t work for you. Go for an insulation material with a high R-value. It may be expensive now but it will be a worthy long-term investment.
3 – Failure to seal the attic floor
Installing insulation is only one half of the job and air sealing is the other half. This involves sealing all the openings in the attic including holes and cracks. Some of the areas that homeowners fail to check are openings in ductwork especially around the joints and open soffits on the floor.
For air sealing, cellulose and fiberglass insulation are not recommended. In as much as they are effective for insulating the attic, they let air through when used for air sealing. You should consider using batt insulation for this.
4 – Leaving gaps in existing insulation
For the attic insulation to be effective, it is important that all gaps be sealed. These gaps reduce the efficiency of the insulation by causing energy leaks. Once you have your insulation installed, ensure you conduct an assessment to check for gaps and to fill those that you find.
Avoid the above attic mistakes
Properly done attic insulation will have a profound impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Make sure that the insulation has been installed properly and that your home is adequately sealed by conducting a simple check.
Links to sources used
- Adding Attic Insulation – https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/do_it_yourself_guide/adding_attic_insulation
