When it comes to knowing if you need more attic insulation, the first step is to take a look around the entire length of the attic. If the insulation is level or below the floor joists, you likely need to add more. If you can't see any of the floor joists because the insulation is way above them, you probably have enough and adding more may not be cost-effective. It is important that the insulation is evenly distributed without low spots; sometimes there is enough insulation in the center of the attic and very little along the eaves.
To see how to add insulation to the eaves, see Installing Beam-Shaped Ventilation Grilles. A final sign that attic insulation may need to be adjusted or replaced is if there are drafts in your house. Airflow, which allows heat to escape, can also allow cold air to enter your home. Make sure that the attic insulation is the culprit; to do this, secure all windows and doors and check if there are still drafts.
To address the problem, ask a professional to evaluate the attic insulation. The first thing is to climb into the attic, inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Your attic must have a certain amount of insulation, and the recommended level of insulation for your attic depends on where you live. Once the insulation settles or becomes entangled, its insulating capacity is reduced and the R value decreases.
Through a visual inspection, if the attic insulation covers the beams and is evenly distributed, you probably have enough. Floor beams are boards that extend every 16″ to 24″ along the approximately eight-inch-high attic floor. These boards must be completely overcovered with insulation. See the illustration at the bottom of this page for a more detailed explanation. Check out these signs of poor attic insulation and find out how to take care of it to reduce energy waste and avoid other problems.
Having enough insulation in your attic can help you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home and save money on energy bills*. It can also prevent serious problems such as ice accumulations in winter. If you notice that rooms on different floors have different temperatures, it's likely that your attic isn't properly insulated. The recommended level for most attics is R-38 or approximately 10 to 14 inches, depending on the type of insulation.
Most homeowners never add more attic insulation, although most new home builders install only what's required by code. By adding additional insulation, you don't need to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in the attic. Insulation is designed to stop heat from moving from one place to another; whether it's from your attic into your home during summer or from inside your home outwards during winter. When this problem occurs, you need not only to solve any pest problems but also replace or increase your attic insulation volume. While a thorough inspection of attic insulation is necessary to assess its current level of thickness, taking a quick look at it will let you know what its current level is.
If not properly insulated, hot or cold air from your heating and cooling system will escape through walls and attics. If you're unsure about whether or not you need more attic insulation, it's best to consult a professional who can evaluate your current situation and recommend an appropriate solution.
