Insulating Your Attic
One of the simplest areas in your home to insulate is also one of the most important—your attic. If you just want to add insulation to your existing level, known as "capping", we can help with this, too, and it's even easier. One of the main benefits of adding insulation is the money it will save you on energy.
Before you determine whether you need to add insulation to your attic, visit the Department of Energy's site to learn more about federal regulations for insulation. Our attic specialists can also measure your attic insulation level during our inspection and compare it to the guidelines provided by the DOE.
Numerous attic insulation materials are notoriously hard to work with, so we don't recommend attempting DIY attic restoration. Instead, let the professionals at Critter Control of West Central Wisconsin perform your attic insulation installation.
Warning: If you think you have vermiculite insulation in your attic, there's a chance it could contain asbestos, so please don't handle it. Only certified professional attic insulation contractors able to safely handle and remove asbestos from buildings should ever deal with vermiculite insulation.
Some things to consider before you make the decision to install new insulation in your attic include:
- Sealing any air leaks from the attic to the rest of the home. The majority of attic insulation does not work to stop airflow.
- Duct exhaust fans that lead outdoors. Use a fitted box to cover fan housing on the attic side, seal around the duct where it comes out of the box, and lastly, seal all around the box to the drywall on the attic side.
- Cover any openings—like low ceilings, soffits, and bulkheads—that go into the attic area with plywood and secure them to the attic side of the ceiling.
- Use a high-temperature caulk to seal chimney and framing.
- The top of the interior walls will need long-lasting caulk to seal holes and gaps. Use expanding foam or rigid foam board insulation strips of rigid for bigger gaps.
- Install metal flashing to maintain fire-safety clearance minimums (typically around 3 inches) for heat-producing equipment found in an attic, like flues, chimneys, exhaust fans, and light housings/fixtures. Luckily, if your lights are IC-rated, they're airtight and can be safely covered with insulation.
- Be sure that any insulation doesn't block soffit vents, making sure you still have proper attic ventilation.
- Water marks or stains on the attic ceiling often mean a roof leak or poor ventilation. Make sure you perform any repairs before you begin insulating. Wet insulation is ineffective and can cause damage to your home.
- Make sure you insulate and air-seal your attic access if it's located in an air-conditioned part of your home.
- You'll want to appropriately insulate and air-seal any knee walls, which are walls with attic space behind them, in your home, too.
Lastly, if you're building a new home or remodeling, be sure that any attic decking (which provides additional storage space or a platform for an HVAC unit or hot water tank) is housed well above the ceiling joists to allow for appropriate insulation depth. The decking then should be installed and securely fastened to the top of the raised lumber after the insulation installation.
Insulation & Attic Damage Repair Services
The nuisance animal has been removed from the attic, but you're not quite done with the process yet. Lingering effects like parasites, mites, and more are still dangerous long after the pest has been removed. Our experts can inspect your West Central Wisconsin attic and treat it for these parasites after your wildlife has been removed.
Another consideration is the often hazardous droppings still remaining in your attic. This isn't something you want to have in your home in any capacity. Raccoons, for example, use a single area in your attic as a bathroom while using a separate area for nesting. This behavior can mat your insulation and cause decreased “R” values inside your home, leading to energy loss and money out of your pocket. Needless to say, droppings in your home can also lead to stained ceilings and unpleasant odors.
Critter Control of West Central Wisconsin's attic restoration technicians will professional remove any soiled insulation and replace it with brand new, hand-selected insulation products. We can also work with many major insurance companies to help expedite the process and restore your attic as quickly as possible. We can also with gutter protection, roof vent guards, gable vent closures, soffit vent repairs and more. The majority of wildlife animals are known for targeting chimneys and causing damage, as well.
For all of your attic insulation, attic repair, restoration, and chimney repair needs, contact us today at 608.352.8758!