If you are planning to install insulation in your attic, make sure to avoid the most common mistakes while doing so. Mistakes during the installation of your attic insulation can result in expensive repairs later and you’ll end up spending more on high utility bills due to heat loss. It makes no sense in wasting time, money, and energy on repairing mistakes when you can easily avoid such pitfalls with proper knowledge. So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the most common attic insulation mistakes you must avoid at all costs.
- You Forgot Air Seal Your Attic Floor
Let’s be honest – most homeowners insulate their attics because doing so can save them money on their utility bills every month. However, to achieve maximum energy savings, you also need to air seal your attic floor. If you skip this important step, you may not be able to take full advantage of your attic insulation.
Air sealing is done by closing every opening and gap in the attic floor. This is extremely important in new construction and retrofitting projects. You can use expanding foam or caulk to close cracks and holes in your attic. And make sure to pay special attention to the below-mentioned areas:
- Soffit openings
- Openings that are made for wiring, plumbing, and ductwork.
- Between chimney flues and attic framing
- Your Existing Insulation has Gaps in it
Even if you have invisible gaps in your old insulation material, it can prevent conductive heat flow. If you detect any gaps in your attic floor after you’ve done insulating it, make sure to fill in these weak spots. Furthermore, make sure that the insulation is directly attached to the attic floor as well as the walls.
- The Insulation Material Has Covered the Eave Vents
Always remember that ventilation is also crucial in an attic. Restricted airflow in an attic, due to poor ventilation, usually leads to condensation and other moisture-related issues like mold and algae growth. Unfortunately, in many cases, inexperienced contractors cover eave vents by mistake while insulating the attic. To avoid this common issue, place baffles between the rafters.
- You Selected the Wrong Type of Attic Insulation
Many homeowners opt for fiberglass batt insulation instead of spray foam or blown-in cellulose mainly because of its affordability and easy installation. However, with this type of insulation, you need to be extra careful about the R-value. R-value is used to determine the thermal resistance of the material, or in simpler terms, it is the measure of the material’s ability to prevent heat loss. The higher the R-value, the better will be its insulating properties. If you live in an area with cold weather, make sure to choose insulation with a higher R-value.
- You Purchased Poor Quality Materials
If this is your first time insulating your attic, remember that the decision you’ll make now will have long-term implications. So, never opt for the cheapest option available on the market. Try to find a good balance between affordability and quality. Choose materials that you can easily afford but it should stand the test of time and top-notch insulation to your home.
In conclusion
As one of the leading insulation and roofing experts in the region, we will be glad to answer any questions you might have regarding your roofing system and attic insulation.
HUDCO Roofing & Exteriors can provide you with the help you need. Getting in touch with us can be done by calling us at 225-364-1007. We service areas in Bossier City, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge, LA.
