How to Retrofit an Attic

Attics are always hotter in summer and colder in winter than the rest of a home. Home attics are usually ventilated and only the floor of the attic is insulated. Unfortunately, duct work is often routed through insulated attics, outside the “building envelope,” so much of the energy needed to heat or cool the air in the ducts is lost. One solution is to completely seal a ventilated attic and insulate the roof which effectively includes the attic in the building envelope. Another solution is to insulate both the ceiling and the roof while leaving the attic ventilated.

Boards or plywood
Radiant barrier foil insulation
Staple gun and staples
Utility knife
Fiberglass roll insulation

Instructions

- 1
  Lay boards or plywood on the floor of your attic, if necessary, so you can walk around your attic without falling through the ceiling.
- 2
  Staple one end of a roll of radiant barrier foil insulation to the roof trusses at one end of your attic using a staple gun and staples. Radiant barrier foil insulation has metal foil on one side which reflects radiant heat. Staple the radiant barrier foil insulation to the trusses so the foil side faces the exterior of the building.
- 3
  Overlap courses of barrier foil insulation so the interior of the roof is completely covered.
- 4
  Cut the radiant barrier foil insulation around all attic vents and gables with a utility knife so the attic will continue to vent.
- 5
  Unroll fiberglass insulation across your attic floor, being careful to keep the insulation at least 3 inches away from all recessed lighting fixtures and at least 3 inches away from all attic vents. Cut fiberglass insulation to length with a utility knife.

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