Homeowners nationwide are struggling more than ever to find a balance between being comfortable inside their homes and keeping energy bills under control. Although adjusting the thermostat helps, the most effective way to save energy is to retain heat or cool air within your home’s walls for as long as possible.

From our years of experience, we know that adding insulation is one of the best ways to reduce heating expenses and keep your home more naturally comfortable. Insulation creates a barrier to heat flow, trapping warm air inside in winter and blocking hot outdoor air in summer. The more insulation you have, the better your home resists air infiltration and temperature changes.


Types of Insulation

To evaluate if you need more insulation, use a ruler to measure the current depth in your attic. When measuring, ensure you have adequate lighting and walk only on the top edge of the joists. One misstep can make you fall through the ceiling below.

Fiberglass insulation comes in rolls or batts, formed at specific widths and thicknesses to fit between wall studs or attic joists.

The thickness denotes the insulation’s R-value standard (for example, R-19 batts are 5 ½ inches thick for 2 × 6 wall studs or attic joists). Higher R-values provide better insulation performance.

Cellulose is a paper-based insulation made from recycled materials treated with fire retardant.

insulation
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Cellulose has an excellent ability to block air movement, and you can blow it into attics or walls. 

Loose-fill fiberglass consists of loose fibers blown into attics through hoses to the desired depth per climate and R-value needs. Homeowners can rent blowing equipment and buy loose-fill fiberglass insulation to self-install.


Key Factors When Insulating Attics

Use the Department of Energy’s Zip Code Calculator to figure out the correct insulation amount for your location. Colder climates need thicker insulation to retain heat. Hotter, more humid areas need ample attic insulation to maintain cool indoor temperatures.

Identify your existing attic insulation type, if present. All well-installed insulation performs similarly, so you can add a different kind than what is present.

Before you install insulation, consider how you will access the attic and what you need in place when you get up there. Blown-in loose fill requires hoses to reach all spaces. Trim batts so they fit between joists. Measure joists to ensure cavities accommodate batt widths.

Blown-in loose fill offers faster installation than batts or rolls. However, renting blowers has added up-front costs. Compare your DIY time/budget to professional quotes to see if it would be worth it to hire professionals.


Installation Tips

Proper installation is key for insulation effectiveness:

  • When adding batts over existing insulation, position perpendicular to joists to prevent compressing layers.
  • For loose-fill insulation, tuck insulation into sloped spots near eaves, areas DIYers often miss.
  • Caulk and foam seal all cracks between the attic and living space around fixtures, wires, vents, etc.
  • Don’t cover non-IC-rated lights or fixtures. Instead, build insulation dams around them.
  • Create insulation barriers around recessed lights with rigid boards or cardboard dams.
  • Carefully slit batts to fit tightly around wiring, ducts, and plumbing in wall stud cavities.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best performance. Improper installs reduce effectiveness.
  • Take special precautions when insulating drop-down attic stairs.

Helpful Resources

For further guidance, explore these additional resources:

attic insulation
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So, Is Attic Insulation Worth It?

When you install attic insulation correctly, it offers an excellent return on investment for home upgrades. Despite the up-front material and installation costs, energy savings quickly offset any expenses through lower utility bills. Well-insulated attics also promote airflow and humidity control. While comfort and indoor climate improvements are harder to quantify, they remain worthwhile benefits of properly installed insulation.

With energy costs rising yearly, adequate attic insulation is increasingly vital. Before winter, evaluate if your attic needs more insulation and choose an affordable approach to insulate it, whether by doing it yourself or by hiring professionals. Properly insulating your attic will help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and despite any effort it takes to complete, it will help reduce energy bills for years to come.


FAQs About Attic Insulation

What are the costs of adding more attic insulation?

DIY cellulose or fiberglass costs $1 to $2 per square foot on average. Pre-cut batts cost slightly more than loose fill. Professional installations range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the amount of insulation needed.


Should I upgrade insulation in a finished attic?

Your finished attic will benefit from added insulation. However, consult an energy auditor on the best finished-attic insulation plan. It will differ from the plan for unfinished attics.


Can new insulation cause moisture issues?

New insulation won’t cause moisture issues as long as you maintain proper attic ventilation from the soffits to the peak. If you install faced batts with the vapor retarder side toward your living space, it can also help prevent moisture. Ventilation and insulation upgrades help prevent buildup.


How long does blown-in attic insulation last?

Installed correctly, all insulation lasts the lifetime of the home. Loose fill may settle an inch or less over time, but topping off low spots helps restore the full insulation R-value.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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