DIY Attic Insulation Tips

In most homes, the attic is an unused space that is not often thought about. It is not heated or cooled but can drain your home of energy. Many attics are not insulated adequately to prevent drafts, allowing your heating and cooling dollars to literally go through the roof.

Energy Star estimates that most homeowners can save 20% on their energy bills just by insulating properly. Adequate insulation in your attic can help make sure your energy dollars are not being wasted.

Measure Your Current Insulation

The U.S. Department of Energy says that many older homes have less insulation than those that are built today. According to the Energy Department, you should have at least 11 inches of fiberglass insulation. Take a measuring tape and measure in different places around your attic. You will likely find that the need to add insulation will be everywhere.

Attic Floor

Purchase the paper-backed fiberglass insulation to lay down on the attic floor. You want to use between R30 and R60 insulation. You can either remove the old insulation that is in place or just unroll the new insulation over top. Be sure that you cover the entire floor and between the joists.

Attic Access Door

Place insulation on the access door. You can have it held in place with tape, glue or staples. Be sure to cut it to size so that when the door is closed the insulation meshes with the surrounding floor insulation. Also apply weather stripping to the outside of the attic door. This will help prevent air loss between the door and the frame.

Attic Hot/Cold Air Distribution Ducts

These ducts are usually poorly erected and have small air gaps all around them. Use pieces of insulation to stuff around the cracks. You can also use expandable foam insulation at these points that will provide some protection from water damage as well. From the outside, it is a good idea to use weatherproof caulking.

Plumbing Pipes

If you have pipes running through your attic, make sure that they are insulated where they come through the floor. Usually just adding small pieces will suffice as you will have the floor covered already at this point.

Taking these few small steps and doing it yourself will save you a lot of money in the coming years. Take the time now to upgrade the insulation in your attic.