Insulating An Unfinished Attic

 Insulating a home's attic is one of the most important insulation projects you can do for your home. Once you have determined you're region's R-value requirements, measure your existing insulation (if present) and subtract that from the required amount. You can add new insulation to your existing insulation and do not need to match insulation types to do so.

To begin your insulation project, first set up a safe working area across the joists. Never step between the joists, or you risk falling through. Measure the thickness of the existing insulation at various places throughout the attic and average those numbers. Multiply the average by the R-value per inch of insulation.

Batt and Blanket Insulation

When installing insulation on a uninsulated attic, make sure to use an insulation with a vapor-retardant face. Place the facing down (toward the ceiling). In humid climates or in attics that have been previously insulated use unfaced fiberglass. Denver insulation companies suggest using the insulation with a vapor-retardant face. When laying batt or blanket insulation, start at the perimeter and work toward the attic door. Place the insulation between joists and cut the length. Cut the insulation by placing the batt on a piece of plywood and laying a straight edge across it to serve as a guide. Push the insulation down and slice through the batt with multiple strokes of a sharp knife using the straight edge as a guide. For higher R-values you can lay the insulation across the joints.

Loose Fill Insulation

 To install loose fill insulation you'll need to rent a loose-fill insulation blower. You can usually find these blowers for rent at home centers. Make sure when you rent the blower that the hose length is long enough for your project. Load the blower with insulation and start blowing into the perimeters of the attic. Work toward the attic access door. Fill every joist evenly with the insulation but remember to leave vents uncovered. Once you finish blowing the insulation into the place, even it out with a rake.

Tips On Controlling Moisture

Water vapor that condenses inside Denver insulation will ruin it. To control moisture install a vapor barrier. Sometimes rigid foam insulation can serve as it's own vapor barrier. Polyethylene sheeting also works well as a barrier for most types of insulation. Batts and blankets are sold with a vapor retardant facing on one side. Barriers are usually place on the interior-side of the insulation, however in hot climates they go on the exterior.