How To Install Insulation In The Attic

Ideally, homes in the Delaware Valley should have attic insulation equivalent to R-values of 49 to 60. Inadequate insulation impedes your heating and cooling system leaving you and your family uncomfortable. Air leakage into a poorly insulated attic could also introduce conditions for mold growth. The good news is that you can learn how to install insulation in the attic without any special training, or of course call Oliver and we’ll gladly tackle this project for you. The final results will reward you with noticeably better indoor comfort and lower utility bills.

A utility knife can cut fiberglass insulation batts, but a special insulation knife will work better.

Step by Step Directions:

1. Use pieces of flat lumber or plywood to move among the joists without placing any weight on the ceiling below.
2. Prepare the attic by sealing gaps that allow air leakage.
3. Use latex caulk on gaps and seams of 1/4 inch or less. If you need to seal around a flue or chimney, use caulk rated for high temperatures.
4. Fill larger gaps around electrical wires or plumbing vents with expanding foam.
5. Staple soffit baffles to the roof boards if you don’t already have them. They should go all the way from the soffits to the roof ridge.
6. Measure width and length of attic space to calculate square footage.
7. Purchase enough fiberglass insulation to fill space to desired depth. You may need to use two layers.
8. Wear goggles, gloves, and dust mask when working with insulation.
9. Start on the edges farthest from the attic access when laying insulation.
10. Place paper side of fiberglass against the ceiling between the joists. The paper acts as a vapor barrier.
11. Cut insulation as necessary to fit batts in place. Do not cover soffit vents.
12. Leave 3 inches of space between insulation and recessed lights if they are not IC-rated fixtures.
13. To reach the desired R-value, you might need to install another layer of fiberglass.
14. Lay these batts perpendicular to joists. This layer of insulation does not need to have the paper vapor barrier.