The Way to Insulate Ceilings
A properly insulated attic will reduce drafts, make your house more comfortable and reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Attics are a good place to begin because they’re generally the most accessible location in the home to insulate. A house’s insulation is quantified by the R-value of its building components–the measure of a material’s resistance to temperature shift. An attic ceiling using a high R-value is a good investment. This will help you raise your house’s insulation and lower your heating bills.
Figure how much insulation you want. This will be dependent on where you live and the kind of heating you utilize. For example, the necessary R-value to get attics in San Francisco is R-38, while at Boston it’s R-49. The R-value you’re aiming for will decide what methods and materials you should use. The Department of Energy provides a free Zip Code Insulation program that informs you the most economical insulation method for your house’s heating and heating system (see Resources).
Pick what insulation method that you need to use. Batts and rolls of insulation are a good choice if access isn’t a problem. If it’s a problem, loose-fill insulation is a practical choice. However, to put in it you will need a professional blowing machine and training in its usage. Blown fiberglass is another choice for difficult-access ceilings. Check that the R-value supplied by the method and materials that you choose meets the R-value goal you chose in Step 1.
Locate any areas that cannot be insulated, such as recessed lighting fixtures, ventilation and air-conditioning ducts and cavities comprising heating, and prevent them. Soffit vents should be kept clear. Install prefabricated baffle boards or pieces of fiberglass batt insulation to stop insulation from slipping and preventing vents.
Clear the attic of any objects which will interfere with your job and make certain there is sufficient light for you to do the job. Install extra lighting if necessary.
Apply insulation evenly and confirm that you’re installing the thickness needed to attain your desired R-value. If using a blower, then confirm it’s set right to your climate and application procedure. Keep the hose level and blow off along, not across, the ceiling joists.