Have you seen your energy bill slowly rising over the years?  Does it seem colder than usual in your home?  You may have a case of bad attic insulation.  Before the new year hits, take a look at these five tips to insulate your attic and reduce your bills, as well as increase the comfort of your home:

Choose Your Insulation Type & Material

If you’re planning on insulating your attic as a DIY project, there are two choices: loose fill or batt.  You will find loose fill packaged in bags, and we recommend renting a machine to blow it into place – found at most hardware stores.  DIYers that are comfortable working with power equipment and have an attic with obstructions or nonstandard joint spacing will find loose fill insulation the way to go.

Batts are flexible insulation blankets found in large rolls, which can easily be fit into joists or studs.  Attics with minimal obstructions and standard joint spacing will find batts easy to cut and place – and no power equipment is required!

Check the Square Footage Before You Buy

Before going to your local hardware store, make sure to check the square footage of your attic.  Loose fill bags will always list the depth to reach specific R-values and how many bags it requires to cover 1,000 square feet at the associated R-value.  You can calculate the number of batts needed for your attic by looking at the dimensions.  And remember – batt insulation is easy to cut for odd spaces or obstructions.

Consider Starting with the Attic Floor

Consider insulating your attic floor if you can swing storing the holiday décor somewhere else.  It’s always a good idea to pull up the attic flooring and layer insulation on top.  By properly insulating your attic (including the floor), you can save up to 50% on your heating bill.  And that means more cheer to go around for the holidays.

Seal Any Noticeable Air Leaks

One of the things that will destroy all your insulation work is water.  Prior to placing any insulation in your attic, check for water stains or open-air gaps in the roof.  Filling any noticeable gaps will save you time and money down the road – and ensure your attic isn’t a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Use the Proper Precautions

It may sound simple, but so many homeowners do not take the proper precautions when completing an insulation DIY project.  We recommend three things to get the job done and keep you safe in the process:

• Dust masks, goggles, and work gloves are a must. Wearing a long sleeve shirt and pants won’t hurt either.
• Stay clear from the joists. You don’t want to crash through the ceiling if you accidently lose your balance.
• Create a good lighting situation. Battery-operated lanterns and workshop lights work best; iPhones do not.

Need some help on your next insulation project?  Contact us at Herbert’s, and we’ll get your attic situated with the best insulation possible.