Owens Corning
Insulate the Attic
Insulate NowMost houses weren't built with adequate insulation in the attic. The Department of Energy recommends that attic insulation should be at least R30 for most parts of the country, more in colder climates. Translated that means if you don't have at least 9 or 10 inches of insulation in your attic you should add more to bring it up to the recommended level.

Adding loose fill cellulose insulation to your attic is a home improvement project that's easily accomplished if there's no finished floor. Admittedly it is not the most pleasant task because usually it involves some gymnastics as you crawl around the attic. And since attics are hot in the summer and cold in the winter it's a good idea to schedule the job in the spring or fall.

The easiest type of insulation to install in an open floored attic is loose fill cellulose. Cellulose insulation, which is basically ground up paper treated with a fire retarding agent, has a high R value per inch meaning it is an efficient insulation. Despite its bulky size it is easy to handle. It comes in 30 lb. bags which on the average will cover about 140 to 150 square feet if you spread it 4 to 5 inches deep. The label on the bag describes coverage rates if you require a deeper layer of insulation. Most home centers or lumber yards that sell insulation will loan or rent you an insulation blowing machine.

Whenever you work with insulation it is important to protect yourself from the dust. Wear a long sleeve shirt, gloves and a hat and most importantly, a good quality respirator. Don't rely on a paper dust mask. You don't need any special tools. A large scissors is helpful to cut the bag open and a long stick (yardstick, dowel, broom handle) is handy to push and poke the insulation into difficult-to-reach spots. A garden rake is also useful to spread the insulation evenly.

Have on hand some 8 foot long 1x8 ft. boards to kneel on as you spread the insulation. Without some kind of kneeler board you will have to balance on a floor joists. If you accidentally step off you could put your foot through the ceiling of the room below. Good lighting is important too. If there's not a light fixture there bring up a safety light which is handy because it's designed with an on/off switch and a built-in extension cord. (You'll use it for many other household projects.)

Pouring and spreading the insulation is itchy, but easy work. Begin the job in the far corner of the attic and work your way out towards the opening to the attic. When you've emptied one bag open another pouring its contents into the spaces between the ceiling joists. Break up any clumps and spread it around to a uniform depth. Put all the empty bags inside another one.


written by Gene and Katie Hamilton

Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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