Common Attic Insulation Mistakes and How the Experts Fix Them

5 Common Attic Insulation Mistakes and How a Professional Can Fix Them

Here are five attic insulation mistakes and how the experts fix them. 

1. Miss Sealing Air Leaks

Insulation in our homes is a barrier that protects our homes and slows down how fast heat and cold enter and leave. Insulation is only part of this process. To prevent air from leaking between rooms, you’ll want to remember to seal the following:

• Floors
• Windows
• Doors
• Outer areas of walls
• Around Light Fixtures
• Gaps between walls 

As time passes, air leaks can affect the air quality of your home by bringing in outdoor pollutants such as dust, mold, and dirt. Insulating your attic can prevent these contaminants from entering your home and keep your indoor air clean.

Depending on the type of air leak in your home, you’ll need to choose the appropriate product:

• To fill smaller holes and cracks, you can use spray foam or caulk
• To cover larger holes, you can use plywood or drywall
• High-temperature caulk can seal gaps around chimneys, and spray foam around gaps. 

2. Use the Wrong Materials

One of the most vital steps in installing insulation is to use suitable materials. To choose the best attic insulation for your home, you’ll need to consider the environment of your attic, indoor air quality, costs, if it’s eco-friendly, etc. One of the most popular types of attic insulation is batt insulation because of its affordable and easy-to-install materials.

When installing batt insulation, research its R-value for your area to see how well it can resist heat flow. The higher the R-value your insulation has, the more effective it can be. The R-value of insulation is determined by its thickness, aging, moisture content, and density.

The amount of insulation that your attic requires depends on a few factors, such as:

• The type of HVAC system do you have in your home? 
• Which part of the home you’re installing insulation?
• The kind of environment you live in? 

You should contact a trained professional to find out what type of insulation is best for your attic.

3. Remove Old Insulation

When installing attic insulation, many believe they must remove their old insulation first. While this is mostly true, especially if your insulation has damage, it’s not always necessary. If your attic insulation has mold, mildew, or rodent damage when adding a layer on top, it encapsulates the older insulation under and traps moisture, This can expose your family to harmful toxins, and would be recommended to remove it first. 

Before you remove your insulation, here are some key points to remember:

• Current condition – If you have damaged insulation from a leak or rodent activity, you should have a professional remove your insulation.
• Existing insulation – If your fiberglass insulation is under 10 years old it may be ok to add layers on top. However, you still need to consider the long-term risks associated with combining older and newer insulation and trapping moisture. 
• The age of your home – You’ll be more likely to find asbestos in older homes. If agitated, when asbestos gets into the air, it can be very hazardous to those living in the house. This is mostly found in vermiculite insulation. If you have asbestos in your home, contact a professional immediately. 

4. Don’t Use Enough Materials

One of the most common mistakes made when installing attic insulation is not using enough materials. Putting up insulation may seem easy, especially if you’re installing batt insulation, but it takes time to ensure the job is done correctly. To ensure you install insulation correctly, you should do the following:

• Use the proper protective gear
• Place it in tight corners
• Keep insulation at least three inches from lighting fixtures to prevent fires.
• Take correct measurements and install the right amounts
• Do not step through the ceiling
• Allow air flow from soffits 

5. Block Air Flow

Proper ventilation is essential in your attic. It’s also necessary to know where you should see gaps and ensure that vents remain uncovered to ensure adequate ventilation. Many homes contain soffits that allow air to travel through your attic. Proper airflow can prevent humidity problems and extend your roof’s life. 

When installing attic insulation, do not cover any vents so you can prevent mold from forming. Mold growth can destroy your attic insulation and create health problems for those in your home. 

Why You Should Choose Master Attic for Your Attic Insulation

With efficient attic insulation, you can lower your energy bills and keep your home comfortable during every season. Unfortunately, if you make these common mistakes, your home can end up cold during the winter and hot during the summer. Using a trained professional is The best way to avoid common insulation mistakes.

At Master Attic, our professionals specialize in installing attic insulation using only high-quality materials to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Our professional will conduct a thorough assessment, install your insulation, and perform a final inspection to ensure the job is done right.

If you’re considering attic insulation for your home, call us today for a free estimate.