Installing Attic Insulation: Tips for Do-It-Yourselfer

Insulating your home can be a messy and exhausting job and making mistakes can eliminate any money you save by not hiring a professional.

You can add your own attic insulation if you spend some time planning the job ahead of time. Don’t assume that adding your own attic insulation will be as easy as it looks on those home improvement shows. Insulating your home can be a messy and exhausting job and making mistakes can eliminate any money you save by not hiring a professional.

You are probably qualified to do the job yourself if:

• You were able to do a thorough inspection and know what type of insulation you already have
• You have already successfully completed other home improvement tasks
• Your installation does not require structural changes to be made to your home
• You can already determined how to apply an appropriate vapor barrier
• You are prepared to carefully follow the manufactures instructions
• Your roof is in good repair
• You have access to a knowledgeable local insulation supplier
• Your current insulation is free from water damage or installation problems

You can significantly reduce the R-value of an insulation product by installing it improperly. This would be a tremendous waste of your time and money. Prior to staring the job make sure you have adequate supplies and plenty of time to do the job correctly.

Additionally, you should keep the following tips in mind:

• When working with fiberglass insulation the new “no-itch” products are well worth any additional money as they are safer and easier to work with
• Always wear protective clothing when installing insulation, including gloves, goggles, dust mask, and long shirt and pants. You will make the most of your protective gear by tucking your pant legs into your socks and your long sleeve shirt into your gloves
• Do not disrupt existing insulation, especially loose fill, as that can reduce its R-value
• Install all new batts or blankets at a 90 degree angle to your existing insulation
• You will need to ensure that your attic has adequate ventilation by not coving attic vents and being sure to leave at least one inch of air flow between the roof and the insulation
• Remember to weather strip and insulate the attic opening
• Always exercise caution when moving around your attic. Always walk only on the ceiling joists and watch out for overhead dangers. If you can it is helpful to lay plywood across your ceiling joists to work on
• You should avoid installing insulation over ceiling fans, ventilation fixtures, or light fixtures. You will need to create barriers around these openings with sheet metal if you are using loose fill insulation. Insulation should always be at least three inches from gas flue pipes or chimneys.

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