Winter is almost here. If your home feels a little drafty, it might be time for some fresh insulation. If you're like most homeowners, you don't add insulation to your winter home preparation list. Unfortunately, that can interfere with energy efficiency and comfort. If you're not sure how to insulate your attic, read the list provided below. You'll find four steps to help you get your attic ready for winter.
Increase Insulation Levels
If you want to get your home ready for winter, the best thing you can do is increase the insulation levels. This is especially important if you haven't refreshed your insulation in a few years. In most cases, your attic should get insulated to R-38, which equals about 10–14 inches. To make sure you get the right level, measure your current insulation. If your insulation is less than 10–14" thick, add enough to reach that level.
Allow Space for Circulation
When it comes to adding fresh insulation to your attic, you might think you need to create a hard pack. That's not the case though. While you do want your insulation to form a thick layer, you also want to provide space for circulation. This is especially true with regard to loose-fill insulation. When adding loose-fill insulation, you want to avoid packing it into the attic too tightly. That way, the air can circulate in the attic. Loose-filled insulation will help you avoid moisture build-up too.
Protect the Vent Openings
If you're going to add insulation to your attic before winter, be sure to watch for the soffit vents. Soffit vents allow fresh air to circulate in the attic. But, if the soffit vents get blocked with insulation, you can end up with condensation in your home. One way to prevent blockage is to install protective barriers around the soffit vents. That way, the loose-fill insulation won't get into the vents.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
When it comes to increasing the insulation in your attic, you might think you only need one type of insulation. That's not necessarily the case. If you have cracks and gaps in your attic, you also need to use spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation seals the gaps and cracks so that your home doesn't lose heat during the winter.
Colder temperatures are settling in for the winter. Now's the time to use the tips provided here. These tips will help you get your attic ready with a fresh layer of insulation.
Contact a professional for more information about home insulation.
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