Why is it so important that your attic be adequately insulated? The answer is that, because heat rises, an attic without insulation will allow the warmth from the living space below it to escape – causing heating costs to go “through the roof,” as well.

WHERE TO INSULATE:

Your first decision will be where to install the insulation. In an unfinished attic, the most effective method is to add insulation between the joists of the attic floor. You can lay fiberglass (sold in pre-cut batts or rolls that you cut to size) into the joist cavities or pour in loose-fill insulation (cellulose is the most common type, although you can occasionally find glass fiber and rock wool). If your attic is finished but only used for storage, you may choose to pull up several pieces of the floor and blow in loose cellulose there. In both these situations, insulating the attic floor will retain the heat in the house below it and leave the attic cold. On the other hand, if your attic is finished and currently used as living space, you will need to add insulation behind the ceiling and ceiling walls. Insulating in this way will allow the heat from the other floors to pass through to warm the attic, but keep it from being lost through the roof. (Note: If you plan to have insulation blown into the ceiling of your finished attic, Home Repair Resource Center recommends that this work be done by a professional, to ensure uniform coverage.)
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