Insulating your attic can lower your energy bills and keep you comfortable year-round. But for many homeowners, tackling the issues with attic insulation can be a daunting task full of unknowns. Factors involved in ensuring proper insulation include product choice, installation methods, and hazard prevention.Â
Without expert help, it’s easy to make potentially dangerous or costly mistakes on existing insulation.
These five attic insulation installation tips will help you to better understand the installation process, make smart choices for your home, and ensure effective insulation installation.Â
#1 Select the Right Product
The two most common insulation materials are fiberglass and cellulose, which feature different benefits and drawbacks.
- Fiberglass insulation is a smart energy-saver and very long-lasting, but attempting to install it yourself can be dangerous
- Cellulose is inexpensive and a very messy and difficult insulation to install which can also be prone to infestation and mold when installed incorrectly.Â
With so many pros and cons to weigh, it can be helpful to get the opinion of a professional insulation contractor who can cater their advice to your specific needs. An insulation contractor could help you to decide between cellulose insulation, fiberglass batt insulation, fiberglass roll insulation, and other options like spray foam insulation.
#2 Be Mindful of Health Concerns
Your attic’s insulation could be full of disease-causing materials without you even knowing.
What are the risks? Let’s take a look.
Rodent Infestations
Rat infestations are common in insulated attics. Rats are exceptionally skilled at nesting and leaving droppings in hard-to-reach places. Rat feces and urine contain allergens and pathogens that are harmful to humans if inhaled. In addition, the following viral and bacterial diseases can be transmitted by common rodents:1
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
- Leptospirosis
- The Plague
- Rat-Bite Fever
- Salmonellosis
- Colorado Tick Fever
- Lyme Disease
- Rickettsialpox
The presence of rats also encourages excess moisture, which can lead to mold growth.
Mold, Mildew, and Fungi
Mold can develop on nearly any surface, including insulation, drywall, paint, dust, and even your attic space! If there is excess moisture anywhere, mold spores are sure to follow.
Presence of AsbestosÂ
Asbestos can go relatively unnoticed for quite some time until it’s too late. Having a professional check for asbestos and properly remove any trace of it will saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.Â
The Need for Decontamination and Cleanup
In any and all cases where attic decontamination is needed, the process should be handled by a professional wearing the proper protective gear. Even entering the contaminated attic space poses serious risk to people unfamiliar with adequate insulation cleanup.
Many homeowners who attempt to remove old insulation will carry the bacteria, virus, and mold-filled material out of their attic and through their house to get rid of it. This could potentially expose your entire family to the disease-causing agents lingering in the insulation material.
#3 Prevent Under- and Over- Insulating
It takes a practiced hand to strike the perfect balance between insulation that’s thick enough to properly retain heat and insulation that’s too thick, restricting ventilation.
Some people, particularly those attempting to DIY their attic cleanup, may assume that too much insulation material is better than too little. However, an excess of home insulation can negatively impact the productivity of your home’s HVAC system. Restricted ventilation in attic areas can result in reduced airflow, and heat loss throughout the entire household. This reduction in active airflow can lead to further problems, such as moisture buildup and mold growth.
Further, the extra efforts exerted by the HVAC system to circulate air can unnecessarily increase energy consumption and bill costs.
#4 Ensure Lower Energy Costs
Proper home insulation can be key to lowering electricity and heating costs. Attics and crawl spaces are frequently neglected areas of the home, but they are crucial to maintaining a tight thermal envelope. Proper air sealing and insulation in attics make it easier for temperature and air quality regulation systems to maintain a steady and comfortable, adequate insulation environment.Â
When heating and cooling systems do not have to fight against the outside temperature and air leaks, they use less energy. When they use less energy, you pay less for energy. Cost-effective insulation, made simple.Â
#5 Get the Job Done Right
Without the proper knowledge and tools, handling a blown insulation project by yourself can be extremely difficult and hazardous.Â
However, attempting to contract out to multiple different services for the same job can be costly, bothersome, and time-consuming.
So, what’s the solution?
Hire a professional who can tackle all aspects of the job, from appraisal to insulation removal, extermination to decontamination, and finally to insulation installation.Â
Don’t Go It Alone—Trust Attic Construction!
Now that you’ve read the insulation tips Attic Construction has to offer, we bet you’re eager to tackle the job with professional help.
Whether you are unsure what material would be the best replacement for old insulation, are worried about a potential rodent infestation, or are just confused about where to start, Attic Construction has the insulation installation expertise for you.
Let Attic Construction take care of the attic cleaning and insulating process from start to finish. That way, your attic’s new insulation will make your home as comfortable and efficient as possible.
We also provide Orange County, San Diego or Phoenix insulation removal, installation & rodent proofing, we are always here to help.
Sources:Â
- CDC. Diseases from rodents. www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/index.html/