4 Handy Tips to Help You Prepare for Your New Attic Insulation

Did you know  insulation  is one of the most effective (and cost-effective) ways to make your home more comfortable year round, as well as more energy efficient?  No matter what the season is, new insulation is a home improvement project that can be carried out any time of the year and will have a positive impact on your home and your wallet – a double whammy! Although installing new insulation is best left to a professional home improvement contractor, there are steps you can take to ensure your home is in the best shape possible to make the installation of your new insulation as seamless and stress-free as possible. In this article, we will be offering four handy tips to help you prepare.

Tip 1: Clean up your attic 

Our first tip is a simple one: clean up your attic! Why? Your home improvement contractor is going to need easy access into your attic, as well as access to the walls, floor and other areas. If your attic is filled to the brim with items, it can be difficult for the crew to maneuverer themselves to access the spaces they need. Items strewn across your attic can also pose a safety risk, so make sure everything is neat and tidy from the get-go. 

Tip 2: Ventilation

If you are installing insulation in your attic, you will need to ensure your roof is ventilated, where possible, to allow for any built-up heat to easily dissolve. Even if you live in a cooler climate, you still need a minimal amount of ventilation to help any excess moisture escape. Generally speaking, air gaps along the ridgeline or between tiles often provides sufficient ventilation. If you live in a warmer climate and do not ventilate your roof properly, you may experience a build-up of condensation, which can result in all types of problems (mold, mildew, wood rot, structural issues etc.) down the line. 

Tip 3: Ensure there are no air leaks

Following on from ventilating your attic, you also want to ensure there are no air leaks in your attic. Even if you have the best insulation on the market, it does not mean you do not have to worry about air leaks. If you do find any air leaks, the best course of action is to use spray foam and caulk to cover them up. Leaks can occur around windows, pipes, ducts and chimneys. Your contractor can also tackle this issue as part of a comprehensive air sealing and insulation workscope.

Tip 4: Check for water leaks

Water leakage in your attic can pose a huge problem for your insulation. Water leaks can cause mold, mildew and block the heat flow, which essentially cancels out any of the benefits of having insulation in the first place. You can spot water leaks by keeping an eye out for any stains, damp spaces or shingles that may be missing in your attic.

Bonus tip 5: When in doubt, call in a professional

If in any doubt about what you need to do to prepare for your new insulation, call in a professional. At Windows on Washington, we provide free estimates and would be happy to assist you by answering any questions you might have. Our work and professionalism speaks for itself. Check out this glowing review about our amazing installer, Young, from David S. in Hyatsville, Maryland.

“[Windows on Washington] did a picture perfect installation. From the detail on the caulking and insulation to making sure none of my drywall was damaged, I was incredibly impressed.” 

Get in touch with us today to find out more about how our team of experienced professionals can help you.