How to Insulate Your Attic

Your Attic is Critical to Improving Energy Efficiency

Mr. Handyman of Northeast Johnson County understands that home improvement enthusiasts are constantly looking for new ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Ensuring your heating and air-conditioning are well-circulated and insulated is critical to boosting energy efficiency. One room many property owners overlook is their attic. This mistake can cost you lots of money each month on electrical bills. We are here today to offer tips and recommendations on optimizing your attic’s energy efficiency.

The following telltale signs may indicate your attic insulation is insufficient:

• Your energy bills continue to skyrocket
• Your attic space is colder than it should be in winter
• Your ceilings below the attic may feel colder
• Ice dams appear above your attic space

Options & Techniques to Boost Attic Insulation

Seal or Weatherstrip the Entryway

Sealing and insulating the access point to your attic is an easy solution that can help you avoid leaking air. Our technicians can weatherstrip and cover the small gaps around your attic door – whether you have an attic hatch, a scuttle hole, or whatever. We can prevent warm/cold attic drafts by stopping the air before it leaks.

Other solutions for insulating an entryway include:

• Applying a foam sealant to fill in small holes
• Installing an attic insulation cover
• Placing fiberglass above the access door (using caulk and a foam board)
• Replacing the attic hatch, scuttle, or door

Whatever you choose, installing insulation around the access point to your attic will help separate the air in your home from the air in your attic.

Insulate the Attic Interior

Another way to make your attic more energy-efficient is to insulate the entire interior. We recommend fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, and reflective insulation materials. Our specialists can look at the current setup of your attic and determine how to proceed. Fiberglass or mineral wool may be the optimal route if your attic’s joists, rafters, studs, and beams lack insulation. We can also add cellulose to fill hard-to-access areas.

We highly recommend considering multi-layer reflective insulation if you want a simple solution to increase energy efficiency. Reflective insulation can decrease conduction, radiant, and convection heat transfer.

Install a Solar Fan

A solar attic fan is an eco-friendly option that can remove moisture by regulating airflow and circulation in the attic. During the hot summer, an attic fan can help maintain a consistent attic temperature by expelling warm air. When the cold arrives, an attic fan can help maintain even temperatures and expel moisture before it turns into ice.

Solar attic fans are 100% powered by the sun. This means they provide cost-free energy savings. On the other hand, electric fans deliver similar results with decreased energy efficiency. As a result, your savings may be negated by the energy costs of running the fan. Whatever you do, always seal and insulate your attic first before installing an attic fan. Without proper insulation, a fan will be counterproductive – accelerating air leakage.

Regularly Inspect Your Attic Ductwork

Maintaining energy efficiency requires extra work if you have ductwork in your attic. Ducts tend to have low R-values and weaker insulation. Nobody wants to waste HVAC air on air that leaks into an attic space. This issue is why we recommend routinely examining any attic ductwork for leaks.

Sealing ductwork gaps/holes and adding extra insulation will improve your home comfort by allowing the air produced by your heater and AC to reach the rooms it belongs. We can also look into spraying insulation foam or removing the ductwork from your attic to relocate it to a more conditioned space.

Air sealing can help maintain consistent temperatures within the attic space. Our technicians can seal your:

• Window gaps
• Ceiling cracks
• Ductwork leaks
• Access doors
• Recessed lights

Usually, caulk or foam sealant will be more than sufficient. Our expert technicians can check your attic for leaks and add sealing accordingly.

Improve Attic Ventilation

Poor ventilation can cause excess moisture, mold growth, and countless problems that decrease energy efficiency. Keeping your attic dry entails letting moisture escape before it accumulates. Moisture buildup is particularly problematic – deteriorating your attic’s columns, siding, ductwork, and walls.

Our specialists can help you improve your attic’s ventilation. Increasing airflow will help:

• Mitigate indoor pollutants
• Improve air quality
• Boost your home’s energy efficiency
• And much more!

Let us inspect for attic insulation, sealing, and ventilation issues today. Our reputable handymen have the tools, knowledge, and experience necessary to make your attic more energy-efficient in no time.

To learn more about attic ventilation and insulation, book your service online or give our team a call today!