Attics

The attic is often an overlooked area of the home, however, attic can be a key component to keeping a healthy home. This section contains information on how to properly ventillate an attic without overdoing it, as well as some safety tips from our experts.

The attic is probably the greatest single heat loser in the home. The lighter heated air rises while the heavier cool air drops (convection). That's why your feet are usually cold or why your much taller mate says it's too hot when you want to turn the heat up.

Adequate insulation in attics is imperative. Newer homes are generally well insulated - although it never hurts to check. But many older homes have little or no insulation. Oftentimes what there is has deteriorated or compressed beyond even minimal worth.

The most widely used insulation in the attic is fiberglass. Fiberglass commonly comes in 31/2" to 6" thick rolls. It can be applied in double layers to increase it past 6". It is available in widths to fit between 16" or 24" on center framing members. It comes in two forms, batt and blanket. Batt insulation is available in 4' or 8' lengths. Blanket insulation is available in lengths from 30 to 70 feet in standard manufacturer's thickness. I recommend blanket insulation. There are fewer gaps between pieces.

Fiberglass is available in foil-backed, paper-backed, and unfaced batts and blankets. Both the foil and paper act as vapor barriers. The foil, however, is only of value when used in conjunction with a 3/4" air space. Unfaced fiberglass is used in conditions of potential fire hazards and as the top layer of a two-layer application. Otherwise, paper-backed is used.

This document deals with sprayed foam insulation.

Imagine insulating your home with something as safe as pillows! Many sprayed foam insulations consist of materials that are similar to those found in pillows and mattresses. Sprayed foam insulation is typically easier to install, safer to the environment, and more energy efficient than traditional batt insulation. It is used in the same places as traditional batt insulation, but instead of being stuffed and crammed into place, it's sprayed into place and expands into even the smallest cavities.

Sprayed foam insulation is a two-part liquid containing a polymer (such as polyurethane or modified urethane) and a foaming agent. The liquid is sprayed through a nozzle into wall, ceiling, and floor cavities. Due to a chemical reaction at the nozzle, it expands while spraying into a solid cellular plastic with millions of tiny air-filled cells that fill every nook and cranny. Most sprayed foam insulations help maintain indoor air quality by not off-gassing volatile organic compounds; and does not shrink, sag, settle, or bio-degrade.