Having proper attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to make sure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible. Proper attic insulation can save you a significant amount of money every year. It’s also one of the first steps you’ll need to take if you renovate your attic into usable living space, like a den, playroom, or bedroom.
If you are planning to install attic insulation, there are some key things you should do to prepare since they are often out of the way, hard to reach spaces, it’s even more critical that it be done right from the start.
What should I do first to prepare for attic insulation?
The first thing you should consider is having an attic service professional perform a home energy assessment. They’ll evaluate your home and help you determine its current energy efficiency. The assessment will identify critical areas that should be addressed to improve the efficiency of your home. The professional will then design a strategy to address any found issues with the greatest possible impact. During the assessment, you’ll learn where and what kind of attic insulation should be installed in your home. Plus, you are guaranteed to lower your energy bills once you address any shortfalls!
I’m ready to start the project, what’s next?
In order to get your attic insulation properly installed, the technicians will need full access to your space. This likely means that it’s time to do that massive cleaning project you’ve been putting off for a while. You’ll need to remove all of your belongings from the area so the technicians can do their job. Anything that doesn’t need to be in the attic should be moved out of the way.
Once you’ve got your belongings cleaned up and put away, it’s time to clean the attic itself! Since most of us don’t spend a lot of time in our attics, they tend to be the dustiest place in the house. Attics can go uncleaned and untouched for months or even years. If you are using your attic for storage, you have the perfect environment for the buildup of dust and dirt. We always recommend that you don’t let it go for too long, since the attic provides the baseline for airflow throughout your home, so all that dirt and dust will likely find its way into your living spaces.
Even more critical when you’re preparing for attic insulation, you don’t want to have all that dust and dirt trapped, causing the newly installed insulation to lose efficiency. After you’ve cleaned up the dust, do a thorough evaluation to ensure there aren’t any water leaks. Not only will water leaks cause significant damage to your home structure, but it has a devastating effect on your newly installed insulation. Look for signs of trouble, including damp wood, rot, and musty odors. If you discover any trouble areas, you’ll want to address them immediately.
Finally, identify and fill any holes or cracks. Holes or cracks in your roof and home structure are inevitable over time and can cause serious problems, including water damage and mold. They are also an inviting opportunity for pests to gain entry to your home.
Ok, how do I get started with attic insulation?
The best way to get started is to give us a call! One of our attic services professionals will come out and give your home a thorough inspection. We’ll work with you to craft an attic insulation plan that meets your goals and fits your budget. We’ll have your home airtight and energy-efficient in no time!
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