Homeowners spray foam insulation overlook the need for attic insulation, but it’s an inexpensive and relatively easy do-it-yourself project that adds a good return on investment. Insulating an attic also reduces moisture, which can damage drywall and wood framing.

In addition to reducing heat transfer, insulation slows water vapor transmission, which helps prevent mold and mildew. For those who aren’t comfortable with tackling this do-it-yourself (DIY) project themselves, professional insulation contractors can install fiberglass batt or cellulose insulation and can even air seal the attic to increase the effectiveness of the new insulation.

DIY Attic Insulation Tips: What Homeowners Should Know

First, remove any existing insulation and clean the attic space. If you plan to use the attic for storage, lay a 2 x 10 wooden frame across the attic joists to create a platform to set storage boxes on. Also, make sure to clear out any vents in the attic and install a vapor barrier around the attic access hatch.

Depending on your area, you may need to blow in more than one bag of insulation. Energy Star recommends 13-14 inches of fiberglass batt insulation in Southern climates and up to 16-18 inches in Northern climates.

Once you’ve got the gear, calculate how much insulation fill you need by reading the bag instructions and measuring up from joists to drywall in order to determine your target R-value for the attic floor (the depth of the loose-fill insulation). After that, read the blow-in insulation machine instructions and plug in the hose. Start at the eaves and move across the attic in three rafter bays at a time, positioning yourself in the center of each side of the attic. Be sure to point the hose away from you as you blow, and keep moving.

Insulation Panama City
6909 Hwy 22, Panama City, FL 32404
(850) 713-5744