One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort is to make sure your attic is properly sealed and insulated. You can help stop heat loss during the winter by sealing and insulating the attic, and you can keep your home cooler during the summer by doing the same thing. It can also help reduce noise from outside and improve the overall indoor air quality of your home.
Living in Boise Idaho, we experience all four seasons. However, our winters are much milder than most of the country. This past winter, we had several days where the temperature dipped below freezing, but for the most part, it stayed above freezing. Because of this, many people in Boise don’t think about air sealing and insulating their attics. But just because we don’t have extreme temperatures doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be doing everything we can to improve our home’s energy efficiency.
If you’re not sure how to seal and insulate your attic, there are a few things you can do. Here are some tips that you can do to get started.
Table of Contents
Sealing the Attic
The first step in sealing and insulating your attic is to find and seal any air leaks. Air leaks in the attic can account for a significant amount of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. By sealing these leaks, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Air leaks can occur around doors, windows, and other openings in the attic. They can also occur in the seams of the attic floor and in the walls where they meet the ceiling.
Locating air leaks
One of the easiest ways to locate air leaks is to go into your attic on a windy day. Once you’re in the attic, have someone else stand at the entrance of the attic and look for any places where light is shining through. These are potential air leaks that need to be sealed. If you’re finding difficulties in locating air leaks, you can also hire a professional energy auditor to conduct an energy audit of your home. The energy auditor will use special equipment to locate any air leaks in your attic and other parts of your home. Once you’ve located all of the air leaks you can start sealing them.
Sealing air leaks
There are two types of sealing materials you can use to seal air leaks, caulk and weatherstripping. Caulk is a type of sealant that can be used to seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and other openings. When sealing air leaks with caulk, make sure to use a high-quality caulk that is designed for the specific material you’re sealing. Weatherstripping is another type of sealant that can be used to seal air leaks. It works by creating a barrier between the opening and the outside air. Weatherstripping comes in a variety of different materials, so make sure to choose one that is designed for the specific type of opening you’re sealing.
Insulating the Attic
Once you’ve sealed all of the air leaks in your attic, the next step is to add insulation. Insulation helps to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. It also helps to reduce noise from outside and improve indoor air quality. There are a variety of insulation types available, so you’ll need to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Fiberglass batts and rolls
Fiberglass batts and rolls are the most common type of insulation used in attics. They’re made from recycled glass and are available in a variety of R-values. Fiberglass is an effective insulation material, but it does have some drawbacks. It can be difficult to install, and it doesn’t always fit snugly around electrical wiring and plumbing pipes.
Spray foam insulation
Insulation that is applied in the form of spray foam is a more recent innovation that is quickly gaining in popularity. Quality-wise, it’s one of the best insulation materials available! It’s made from polyurethane and is applied as a spray. Insulating attics and sealing air leaks can be accomplished successfully with spray foam insulation. However, it is more expensive than fiberglass insulation and it can be difficult to do it yourself but you can always ask for some help from a professional such as iFoam in Boise Idaho, they will gladly help you with your insulation needs.
Loose-fill insulation:
Loose-fill insulation is another type of attic insulation that’s becoming increasingly popular. It’s made from recycled materials, such as paper and fiberglass, and is available in a variety of R-values. Loose-fill insulation is easy to install and can be effective at sealing air leaks. However, it can settle over time, which can reduce its R-value.
Rigid foam board:
A rigid foam board is a type of insulation that’s made from polystyrene or polyurethane. It’s available in a variety of R-values and can be cut to fit around electrical wiring and plumbing pipes. When speaking about quality, a rigid foam board is also one of the best insulation materials available. It’s easy to install and does an excellent job of sealing air leaks. Rigid foam board is an effective insulation material, but it can be more expensive than fiberglass batts and rolls.
Installing Attic Insulation
Once you’ve chosen the right insulation for your attic, the next step is to install it. If you’re installing fiberglass batts and rolls, make sure to wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from the itchiness of the fiberglass. Also, be sure to cut the batts or rolls to fit snugly around electrical wiring and plumbing pipes. If you’re installing spray foam insulation, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you’re installing loose-fill insulation, make sure to distribute it evenly. And if you’re installing rigid foam board, be sure to cut it to fit around electrical wiring and plumbing pipes.
If you’re still not sure which type of insulation to use, you can always consult with a professional contractor. They can help you choose the right type of insulation for your home and install it properly.
Saving energy through air sealing and insulation is a great way to reduce your energy costs and improve the comfort of your home. By taking the time to seal air leaks and add insulation, you can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable all year long!
