Attic Insulation Installation and Removal

Before installing attic insulation, you should know how to measure the attic space. Then it would help if you worked your way toward the center of the floor to get a uniform depth. You should make sure that the material is not compressed when you press it. The joists and top plate of the exterior wall should overlap the insulation. Cut it to the appropriate length and use a measuring tape to ensure even coverage. After calculating the area that needs attic insulation, you should install the insulation.

You can purchase attic insulation Houston in two types: fiberglass and cellulose. Fiberglass is the more expensive and requires professional installation. Cellulose is better for the environment since it is recycled cotton or paper. You can find cellulose insulation in both blown-in and batt forms regardless of the type. Attic Services’ technicians are trained to install both types of insulation. If you are unsure which material to purchase, you can contact your local waste management authority to find out if they accept the materials. There are fees for this service, but they can be several hundred dollars.

Before removing old insulation from the attic, you must check for the presence of raccoons, as they are common in areas of fruit trees. Roof rats may tap around the attic at night and make a nest in the insulation. The nests they make are pretty dangerous as they contain urine and droppings. If you notice rat droppings, you need to thoroughly remove the infected insulation and disinfect the area before adding new material.

Then, you must make sure you install an insulation barrier. The barrier should be one to two inches wide and should be installed where the insulation rests on top plate of the wall. You should also remember to cut the insulation to the appropriate width to fit the attic. To make this process easier, you can cut four-inch long sheets of rigid foam and push them into the space. You can also buy insulation materials that are precut.

It is important to check the ventilation of the attic. It is extremely important in winter and summer, as excessive heat can affect the insulation. Proper ventilation can also help remove moisture that collects on cold surfaces. This moisture can damage the insulation and your home over time. In addition, it can also cause structural damage. If the insulation is not installed properly, it is best to hire a professional. Otherwise, you may find yourself tearing out the attic walls yourself, which is not a good idea.

The R-value of the insulation material will determine how efficient it is. You should also consider the size of the attic space to know how much insulation is needed. A home with an attic that’s too small may not be able to benefit from it. The R-value will also be affected by the type of insulation material you choose. For example, a home that’s built with knob and tube wiring may require the insulation to be certified safe by a licensed electrician.

There are two main types of attic insulation: cellulose and fiberglass. Among the two, fiberglass comes in blankets or batts, while loose fill is blown into the attic space. Both types have the same R-value, but one of them is prone to absorbing water and allowing mold to grow. Those two materials are also more likely to produce dust. So, cellulose is a less efficient choice than fiberglass.

When choosing an attic insulation material, you should focus on its R-value. While cellulose and standard fiberglass rolls have different R-values, it’s important to know what these values mean before you make your decision. In general, the higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be. You can compare these numbers on the packages provided by manufacturers. For example, standard fiberglass rolls typically range from 2.9 per inch to 3.8 per inch while cellulose measures between 3.2 and 3.7 per inch.

Attic insulation is an important step in improving the quality of your home’s air. Poorly insulated homes let outdoor pollutants enter and erode the quality of air in the house. Installing attic insulation prevents these pollutants from spreading through the rest of the house. Additionally, it prevents moisture buildup in your home. Mold grows in damp environments, and water vapor in the summer damages walls and other surfaces. It also helps prevent radon and mold growth in your home.