Perhaps the biggest culprit of heat loss in a home is the attic space, so adding attic floor insulation will not only make the space more pleasant to spend time in, but it will also help lower your heating costs. The first step in installing attic floor insulation is determining what type of insulation you will need, as well as how you will install it. If the attic space is a finished living space, you may need to tear up the floor boards in order to perform the insulation process.
If the attic is unfinished, the attic floor insulation project will be much easier and quicker. First, you will need to choose the best insulation for your price range and purposes. Fiberglass insulation is the most commonly used, and it usually comes in rolls that fit nicely between floor joists. It is a good idea to use faced fiberglass insulation for the project, as this will help prevent damage to the insulation from pests such as bugs and mice, and it will help prevent moisture from getting into the fiberglass and potentially damaging it to the point that it is no longer effective. This type of attic floor insulation should not be used around chimneys, however, or around other objects that get exceptionally hot. It should also be kept away from wiring if possible, as these can become fire hazards.
Another less expensive choice for attic floor insulation is aluminum radiant foil. This material can be laid out on the floor if floorboards have already been laid down in the attic space and can also be conformed easily around floor joists. This material creates a radiant barrier in the attic, helping to preserve warmth within the home while keeping cold out. This is a great choice for unfinished attics. It may not be the most effective choice for finished attics, as it may not provide as much insulation as fiberglass.
When installing attic floor insulation, it is important to ensure there are no large gaps between the insulation and the ceiling of the floor below, as this can allow air to flow between the insulation and the floor below. The insulation should not sag, should not be crumpled or crushed into place, and should not be exposed to excessive moisture, as these can all lead to inefficiency and damage to the insulation.
Always be sure to wear proper safety equipment, especially when installing fiberglass insulation. Breathing masks should be worn, as fiberglass can be exceptionally harmful to the lungs. Eye protection should also be worn, as well as gloves and long-sleeved shirts and pants.