How To Check Insulation In Attic

You will instantly know whether or not you have insulation.

How to check insulation in attic. How to check attic ventilation calculate net free vent space. Simply find the attic access panel usually located in a closet or hallway set up a ladder and pop your head into the attic. Check outlets on all. Then use the numbers in the chart at right to estimate its r value.

Common signs of problems with insulation. Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. Looking across your attic if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists you probably need to add more insulation.

Inspecting your attic insulation. Without having a professional coming out to take a look at things it can be hard to tell if your attic is properly insulated. Attic insulation by contrast is usually fairly easy to check on. Visual check of insulation levels.

Find a pre screened local home insulation contractor. Level uneven spots with a rake. Courtesy of department of energy. Inspect the vent openings.

However there are a few easy things you can do to see if your attic is properly insulated. Recommended levels of insulation. The higher the r number the higher the insulating factor typically is so it s worth checking. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation.

Insulation has come a long way. Insulation is rated with an r value. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. There are four especially common signs of problems with attic insulation.

If your attic is not sufficiently vented you probably won t have to look very hard to find signs. Fill every joist space completely and evenly with the insulation leaving attic vents uncovered. Pull up and dispose of any material that s compressed water stained or moldy it s useless. With a helper to load the blower with insulation as needed start at the perimeter of the attic and work toward the attic access door.

But if you live in an older home with insulation installed before you moved in understanding what pads your walls is essential to keeping your family safe especially if your. Either read the r value printed on the batts of your existing insulation or use a measuring tape ruler to measure the depth of the insulation inches. Building codes typically require 1 square foot of venting space for every 150 square feet. These days you can stuff your walls with everything from recycled blue jeans to soy based foam to keep temps comfortable year round.

Attics can be insulated in a number of ways including blowing in insulation or laying fiberglass batts.