Insulation 101: How to Check Your Attic Insulation
June 21, 2022
Checking your attic’s insulation can be an easy at-home task for any homeowner. Whether you choose to take a look yourself, or get a free evaluation from a pro like Koala Insulation of St. Louis, it’s an important home maintenance task to add to your to do list.
You can also keep a lookout for some telltale signs that your home may be under-insulated.
Before you begin: Safety first!
- Wear a hard hat to protect your head from potential roofing nails in the ceiling.
- Mask up to avoid inhaling dust, insulation, or fumes from current or previous pests in the attic.
- Bring a flashlight to see in dark spaces.
- Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the depth of the insulation
- Avoid touching insulation as different types of insulation introduce different hazards.
- NOTE: Vermiculite insulation is prone to containing Asbestos. It is very important not to touch or disturb this type of insulation. When in doubt, contact a pro.
1. Look for damage or common mistakes
Certain types of damage to insulation may require an entire removal of the insulation. Look for wet insulation, the presence of water, or any roof damage or leaks. Wet insulation can mold and must be removed. Also look for signs of rodents or pests. Look for holes in the attic, nests, chewed wires, shredded paper, and feces. These are signs of pests and damaged insulation that must be removed as well.
Also keep an eye out for common mistakes that must be remediated, like clogged ventilation. If your home has soffits overhanging your exterior walls, those soffits likely have holes meant for attic ventilation. DIY’ers often fill in those soffit cavities with good intentions, but do not realize they are blocking much needed ventilation for the attic. If your soffits are filled, they will need to be cleared and baffles installed to ensure that airway remains clear.
2. Identify the type of insulation present
Different types of insulation are best for different applications. Ideal types for attics include:
- Blown-in Insulation (fiberglass or cellulose)
- Spray Foam
Insulation types that are not ideal for attics include:
- Batts or Blanket insulation
- Vermiculite insulation
- No insulation
3. Measure the depth of insulation present
Using a ruler or tape measure, insert it into insulation until it reaches the floor of the attic. Measure in multiple places, as it’s common for some areas to be deeper than other areas.
In the Saint Louis area, insulation code is set by different counties and municipalities. Some require R-38 and some require R-49. In general, insulation codes across the United States tend to increase over time, so it’s safe to assume that code requirements will stay the same or increase over time.
If you have less than 12” (1 foot) of insulation, you definitely need more insulation. R-38 is typically around 12.75” and R-49 is typically around 16.25”, depending on the exact materials used as different manufacturers have different specifications.
4. Contact a pro to upgrade your insulation
Whether you inspected your insulation yourself or you’d like a free evaluation from a pro, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to upgrade your insulation once it’s been determined that an upgrade is needed. Don’t make these common DIY mistakes!
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Contact Koala for a FREE Insulation Consultation. Call Today: (314)-279-5064 or Book Online
Related Posts:
Insulation 101: Airsealing
How To Tell If Your Home Is Under Insulated
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Insulation https://koalainsulation.com/saint-louis/blog-detail/How-to-Reduce-Your-Carbon-Footprint-with-Insulation
5 Reasons One Room Is Hotter (or Colder) Than The Rest Of The House https://koalainsulation.com/saint-louis/blog-detail/5-Reasons-One-Room-Hotter-Colder-Than-the-Rest-of-the-House
4 Reasons Insulation is Important in St. Louis https://koalainsulation.com/saint-louis/blog-detail/4-Reasons-Insulation-is-Important-in-St-Louis
Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency: Insulation, Air Sealing, Solar https://koalainsulation.com/saint-louis/blog-detail/Tax-Credits-for-Energy-Efficiency-Insulation-AirSealing-Solar
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