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If you are concerned about keeping your home warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and spend less money in accomplishing both, it might be time to consider looking in your attic. Many consumers and less-sophisticated contractors have made the mistake of thinking that just by adding insulation, they would cut their heat bills in half and stop the ice dams in January. There is more to it than that! Also, 1 ½ story homes, vaulted ceilings and unusual roof lines can add to the challenges and it is important to consult with the most experienced contractors in identifying the right solutions. Missing a few things and just blowing insulation can actually worsen some problems and make everything more expensive to get it right in the end. Following is a list of items that should be part of every attic insulation project
- Find all electrical and plumbing intrusions and seal with expanding foam
- Install and seal insulation baffles in every joist space to allow for proper ventilation from the eaves and help protect from wind wash on exterior wall plates.
- Install fire rated baffles around masonry and Class A chimneys.
- Make sure that existing roof vents are providing adequate ventilation.
- Cover any recessed lights or bath fans with a sealed foam box and secure to poly/framing/drywall as practical
- Replace any non-insulated bath fans with insulated flex-duct.
- Insulate and wrap with poly any un-insulated metal range hood ducts.
- Add baffles as needed at attic access to allow for additional insulation.
- Add 4-12 inches of cellulose insulation to get to a target R-44 average.
- Make the homeowner(s) aware of any other potential opportunities or problems that might be remedied during the installation process.