Properly insulating your attic is essential for running an energy-efficient home. If your attic isn’t insulated properly, chances are:
- You’re experiencing cold spots in certain areas of your home
- You’re seeing a buildup of ice dams on your roof and in your gutters
- You’re missing out on hundreds of dollars in annual savings on your energy bill
If you’re looking to address any of these issues, the secret is to combine traditional insulation with a radiant barrier. Installing a radiant barrier on top of your traditional insulation will provide your attic with an effective 1-2 punch that keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, all while saving money on energy bills. Insulating your attic is a relatively simple process that most do-it-yourselfers can do in a weekend. Plus, many utility companies will even offer rebates for installing radiant barrier, which may offset your install costs altogether and save you money on energy bills.
Step 1: Assess the status of your attic insulation
Spray foam example:
Tradional (Batt) insulation example:
If your attic has no insulation at all, it’s time to get to work. Before starting, ask yourself two important questions:
- What R-value does my first layer of insulation need? This is a straightforward question to answer, as local building codes specify the required R-value for attics. Make sure you are aware of all current codes for your area.
- What type of insulation am I going to use? This is a matter of choice. There are two types of traditional insulation you can use:
- Loose Fill Insulation is the most common type because it is less expensive, faster to install, and provides better coverage than batt insulation. Loose fill insulation is usually blown or poured in, and it is best to hire a professional contractor for this job.
- Batt Insulation is easier to install and requires no special training to handle.
Step 2: If necessary, install your first layer of attic insulation
Before starting your insulation project, ensure you wear the proper safety equipment, especially when working with fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass insulation, also known as glass wool, is made from tiny fibers of glass that can damage your skin, eyes, and lungs. Always wear gloves, long sleeves, safety glasses, and a dust mask to avoid potential health hazards, or hire a professional to install your insulation for you. It helps to create a walkway and workspace with boards so that you don’t step onto and fall through the ceiling below you. It’s also a good idea to consult an electrician and eliminate any electrical hazards before you begin.
Step 3: Install the radiant barrier foil on top of your first layer of insulation
Once your insulation is in place, it’s time to install your radiant barrier. When installing a radiant barrier in your attic, use perforated products that allow condensation to pass through, preventing mold and mildew buildup in your first layer of insulation. Because of this “breathability” in perforated products, do not use tape to seal the seams when installing perforated radiant barriers, as tape could trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew.
Radiant barriers can be installed directly on top of your first layer of insulation (on the floor of your attic) or in the rafters (on the ceiling of your attic). In some situations, you may want to install a radiant barrier in both locations.
Installing radiant barrier in warm/hot climates
Radiant barriers excel at reflecting heat back to its source. In warm/hot climates, install the barrier on your rafters (on the ceiling). This blocks heat from entering your home through the roof, reflecting it back towards its source. Use a staple gun to attach the radiant barrier directly to the rafters, allowing a 1–2″ overlap between sections.
Installing radiant barrier in moderate/cold climates
In cold climates, you want to trap heat inside your home. Roll the barrier across the floor of your attic, on top of your first layer of insulation. If the insulation doesn’t protrude above your floor joists, you can use a staple gun to keep the barrier in place, though this is not necessary.
A large portion of the US experiences both warm and cold climates. Don’t forget to insulate any ductwork present in the attic, a common practice in homes without basements or crawl spaces.
Step 4: Insulate your attic opening
If you enter your attic through a set of folding stairs, use an attic stair insulator to seal the opening. If you have a simple door or small entrance, affix a piece of insulation to the attic side of the door. Sealing this entryway will add a final layer of protection, helping to keep the air in your home separate from the air in your attic, allowing your insulation and radiant barrier to work effectively.
Final Thoughts on How To Install Insulation in an Attic
Now that you know how to insulate an attic, you can feel confident that you’ve made your home more comfortable and efficient, while also reducing your energy bills for years to come.
