DIY Heating/Cooling Other Installing Foam Attic Insulation on a Budget
Installing Foam Attic Insulation on a Budget Print E-mail
Written by Bob C   

foam insulation

Attic insulation is a critical step to take to help reduce the amount of money you spend on heating and cooling bills. However, the materials and installation process can cost you a lot of money. The best way to stay within your budget is to install the foam attic insulation yourself. Also, be sure to see attic door insulation.

How to Install Foam Attic Insulation

Installing foam attic insulation is not a difficult process.  It is important; however, to follow the recommended instructions to avoid itching and respiratory problems that can be caused from the dust.

Before you begin installing attic insulation, make sure you have enough insulation to complete the project by measuring out how much you will need.  You do not want to have to stop in the middle of this project.   It is also important to make sure your attic insulation is the right R-value for your climate.

Attic Insulation Installation Materials:

  • Tape measure
  • Utility knife
  • Straight edge
  • Lightweight stapler
  • Putty knife
  • Work gloves
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Safety glasses
  • Long pants
  • Dust respirator (mask)
  • Working light
  • Plywood to stand on
  • Rake to adjust attic insulation
  • Insulation supports

Attic Insulation Installation Steps

IMPORTANT - Attic insulation should be at least three inches away from all lighting fixtures and metal chimneys.  If the attic insulation is laid too close, it could cause a fire.

  1. Lay plywood across the joists for a place to stand.  Place your working light in a location that will light up the majority of the attic.  Open attic vents or install for proper airflow.
  2. Start at the outer edge and work towards the center.  This will help if you need to cut the attic insulation or move it around the room.
  3. Fill joist cavities to their fullest while you lay the attic insulation.  Save leftover pieces for small places that need insulated.  Lay another layer in the perpendicular direction of the joists.
  4. The attic insulation should cover the exterior wall tops, but it should not cover the eave vents.  This could cause limited airflow.
  5. Close all small opening with pieces of un-faced insulation.

More Attic Insulation Budget Ideas

Aside from saving a lot of money by installing the attic insulation yourself, there are a few other ideas that can help you save money and stay within your budget, which are:

  • Recycled Cellulose – Instead of spending the money for expensive commercial-grade insulation, use recycled cellulose, which is attic insulation made from recycled newspapers.  Recycled cellulose is less expensive than commercial attic insulation.  However, recycled cellulose is installed with special blowing equipment.
  • Sales - If you want the commercial grade foam attic insulation, wait for the sales.  Many companies will offer 20 to 50 percent off of the normal prices.  A really good time to start looking for sales on foam attic insulation is in the spring, when the temperatures are not hot or cold.  This is the time that dealers will want to unload old stock.
  • Internet – The Internet is an excellent source for finding deals.

When installing foam attic insulation, ask for help from your neighbors or friends.   Installing attic insulation is not difficult and can save you a lot of money.

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