There are many ways to insulate an attic. The easiest is to use fiberglass insulation and fit it directly to the rafters or beams. Most of your attic will have some sort of beams or joists that need to be covered. These beams can be plywood, sheet steel, or aluminum. Be sure to check your local building codes for the proper method of insulation to use in your area.
Lay the fiberglass batt down directly on the jacent roofing with the sheet or lumber framing down against the heat sensitive area. Lightly cover the batt with insulation. 3. Cut the insulation to the proper length according to the required length of your chimney or attic vent.
Aluminum sheet metal sheets are rolled or extruded from aluminum sheets. Aluminum sheet metal acts as an insulator. You can get this sheet metal either rolled or extruded. The rolled type will last longer.
A disadvantage of using aluminum sheet metal is that it does not hold moisture well. If moisture is involved in the movement of air within your attic then the aluminum insulation will be wasted. The only time this would be an issue is if you were to install an insulation board on top of a drywall surface.
How to Insulate an Attic with Fiberglass
The foam board insulation is another option. It can be used as is or you can apply it to the top portions of your walls. Most foam boards are a good distance away from the wall structure, or in other words they are wrapped around the walls. It is also important to remember that you should never have the foam board completely cover the wall surface in your attic. If this were to happen the resulting condition would be extremely dangerous for anyone living in your attic.
Another type of insulation that you may wish to consider is the cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation is very effective at reducing moisture. Cellulose is made up of long chains of plant materials. This type of insulation has a tendency to expand and contract depending upon the outside temperatures. This type of insulation will tend to work best when the attic is cold and the walls are mostly empty. For attic vents it is important that you place a layer of cellulose insulation over the entire area.
How to insulate an attic with fiberglass takes some time and effort. It can be installed in sections, much like a brick-and-mortar building. The first step in insulating the attic with fiberglass is to remove any existing insulation covering the walls. You should remove the moldings and sheers on the walls as well. You should cut a small section of the insulation and fit this into the hole you just dug. Cut a piece of foam or sheet metal and fit this into the newly cut section.
How to install fiberglass roll insulation in your attic
When cutting the insulation, ensure that you keep the insulation’s direction of expansion at zero. Always face the incoming air stream and push it away from the wall. In case you are using duct work, blow out all the fresh air through your ventilation system. This should clear the way for the fiberglass sheet to be properly placed.
There are two common types of insulation to use in an attic. Rigid insulation is more durable and is used where moisture has no problem penetrating the surface. Thermal bridging is a type that relies on natural convective currents and relies on some type of air leakage. The disadvantage of thermal bridging is that it can easily deteriorate and needs to be replaced frequently.
When learning how to insulate an attic with fiberglass, it is helpful to have a friend help you hold the fiberglass sheet up against the wall. You will also need to cut it along a particular stair run so that you have a clear view of the insides of the walls. Make sure you install the insulation securely, taking extra care to ensure it does not blow out and damage your home. Insulation is particularly useful for those homes that do not have duct work, but can still benefit from extra insulation.
Adding Batt Insulation to an Attic
Once you learn how to insulate an attic with fiberglass, there are several other options available. For example, insulation can be applied to walls as well as floors. This is done with either spray foam or by using special products that seal the seams. If you are looking to cut down on your heating bill, then you should definitely take this route.
