A Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Insulation Repair

The colder months are just around the corner. Is your house ready? A well-insulated attic can not only make your home warm and comfortable during the winter months, it can also save you money on your energy bills. Follow these steps from your insulation contractor in Sacramento, CA to make sure your attic is prepared for the chill ahead.

Step One: Preparation

You will want to gather all the necessary materials:

  • Safety materials, such as safety goggles, rubber gloves and work clothes
  • Putty knife
  • Utility knife
  • Duct tape
  • Boards
  • Fiberglass insulation

To determine how much insulation you will need, measure the length and the width of the area to be insulated. Multiply the two numbers together to get the square footage. Check the instructions on the packaging to see how much insulation you need to achieve your desired result.

Once the insulation has been purchased, place the rolls of insulation around the perimeter of the space to be insulated to allow for easy access during your project.

Step Two: Soffit Baffles

It is crucial to avoid blocking the soffit vents in your attic. These vents are needed to keep air flowing through your attic. If soffit baffles are not installed already, you will want to install them prior to insulating the attic. Staple the soffit baffle to the bottom side of the roof planking between the rafters and above the soffit vent, so that the unit covers the entire vent.

Step Three: Insulation Installation

Wearing your protective gear, begin in the corner of the area you plan to insulate that is the farthest from the attic access. Then lay out the insulation slowly and carefully by unrolling. Cut the insulation with the utility knife once you have reached the end of the row. The best way to cut is to pull the insulation a little bit onto a joist, so that you can cut on a solid surface. If a straightedge is handy, use it as a guide to make your cut. Then return the insulation back into its place.

Lay the insulation in the other direction after making the first cut. If you happen to reach the end of a roll, simply begin a new roll right where the old one stopped and finish the run. Once you have reached the other edge, make a new cut. Then begin laying insulation again back the other way. Continue in this fashion until you have covered the entire intended area.

Step Four: Obstacles and Tight Corners

Inevitably, you are going to run into some obstacles, such as a pipe or a crossbeam. If you encounter an obstacle, use the utility knife to cut a notch into the insulation roll to fit around the obstacle, so that the insulation can still lay flat. Continue with your run.

You will also find some confining and even tight spaces in the corners of your attic. Be careful not to shove and squeeze the insulation into these locations, but keep rolling out the insulation evenly. The insulation value is diminished when not laid out in a proper fashion.

Step Five: Recessed Lighting

Some attics have light canisters to contend with. If these light fixtures are not IC-rated, you will need to keep the insulation at least three inches away from the fixture, as these canisters can get very hot and could cause the insulation to smolder. Use your utility knife to cut the insulation away from these fixtures.

Other Options for Insulation Installation and Repair

Often it’s advisable to have a trusted and experienced professional do the work. The work will be done with superior quality and in a fraction of the time. Even the most skilled DIY homeowner will recognize the value in a professional insulation installation. Hiring in insulation contractor in Sacramento, CA could save you time and money in the long run. Why not let us do the work? Contact 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc. today to see how we can make your home more energy efficient.

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