Proper Attic Insulation Techniques

Spray-On Insulation

• In many homes, the duct work for heating and cooling is placed above insulation that is laid across the attic floor. Even though you have insulation that prevents heat loss through your roof from your home, the duct work will still generate heat that can melt snow on your roof and create ice dams in your gutters. To prevent heating and cooling from escaping through your duct work, consider spraying insulation on your roof as opposed to laying insulation down on the attic floor. You will retain that heat and prevent damage to your roof from heavy ice dams.

Roof Soffits

• Attic insulation should be installed for maximum coverage. But to generate the airflow that your attic needs, you need to avoid laying insulation along the soffit vents. The roof soffits are the underside of the roof overhangs, and the vents are the slots in the soffits that allow air to pass through to regulate the temperature in the attic, according to the Energy Savers website. If you cover the soffit vents, you restrict air flow and invite roof damage.

Ratings

• When you buy fiberglass attic insulation, you will notice a rating for R-value and thickness on the packaging. For insulation to properly limit heat transfer, it needs to be allowed to expand to its full thickness. Compressing insulation decreases its efficiency and its ability to limit air flow.

Fire Protection

• Attic insulation can be flammable and create a fire hazard if installed near areas that generate heat such as the furnace chimney or hot water pipes. Prior to installing attic insulation, use metal flashing to create barriers that are three inches from heat-generating areas.