Insulating an Attic
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If your attic is big enough to be considered as part of your home’s living area, that will greatly increase the value of your home. Your attic is area that wouldn’t be used otherwise if the roof was too low, but without proper insulation and ventilation, it can be downright uncomfortable. Insulating your attic is essential if you want to turn it into an extra bedroom or an office space. Here are some of the things you need to consider when insulating your attic. Flooring Your attic’s flooring will probably already have insulation- if it’s spray foam or paneled foam, it can be easily overlaid with plywood. However, if it’s loose or blown insulation, you will need to remove and replace it with something more sturdy. Sheets of polyurethane or foam are a great choice, and they’re light in weight. Put the insulation between the rafters, and apply the plywood over them. Put carpet over the plywood, and you’ve got an insulated floor. Ceiling and Walls Your attic walls probably aren’t that high, but there should be at least enough room to stand up. Use the same materials for insulating walls and ceiling as you used for the floor, and if you wish, double up the foam applied to the ceiling. Now’s the time to add ventilation to avoid mold and mildew growth. Now, add wallboard, and then paint or wall paper. If you want lights, you’ll have to get wiring installed. Entrance When insulating your attic, remember that the entrance is usually a pull-down door or hatch. This door should be made of wood or at least insulated plastic, so the attic won’t get too hot or cold. The hatch can be left open to allow hot or cold air to flow freely into the attic- but if it’s not insulated sufficiently, it can affect the air temperature in the rest of your home. Insulating your attic is something that should be approached with caution. Some of the materials can be toxic, so be sure to read and follow the instructions. If you’re at all unsure, ask someone at your local home improvement store, or hire an expert to do the job for you. | |