Compressed Attic Insulation Fix

Missing insulation at repaired areas in attic it seems pretty obvious that insulation should be put back in place after being pulled back for a repair in the attic but that doesn t always happen.

Compressed attic insulation fix. This often means installing rafter baffles in every rafter space to permit fresh airflow. The chart below indicates the compressed r value of standard building insulation products when installed in framing cavities with a depth that is less than the labeled thickness of the insulation. Simple thermal analysis reveals that if you have 5 missing insulation in an attic bare sheetrock you ll have a slightly more than a 54 drop in r value. We can compress insulation and increase the performance of it right up to the point where the main mode of energy transfer is through the material of the insulation itself.

For wool types of insulation fiberglass mineral wool steel real wool etc while it varies based on material this is typically much denser than we are able to get it via compression on the job site. For every x the insulation material is compressed the r value decreases by approximately one half of that percentage or x compressed. These will likely be located along the outer perimeter of your attic floor. These thermal defects undermine the r value of your attic insulation.

Yes the compressed r value can be estimated using the following method. Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. When compressed to less than its labeled thickness glass fi ber insulation will experience a reduction in r value. If your home is relatively new you likely have a roof ridge vent in the center of your roof.

Subtract the cavity depth from the thickness of the batt in inches. Make sure none of these vents are blocked with debris or insulation so that air can easily flow through them. Locate your attic vents and make sure they are not blocked by insulation. Let s look at an r 19 batt in a 2x6 cavity step 1.

How do i fix my insulation problems. Energy star recommends hiring a home energy professional to perform a comprehensive energy audit. Because installing closed cell foam will seal the attic an alternate method of ventilation is necessary. Attic insulation replacement is a simple and quick process.

R value simply means resistance to heat flow. The right pro can locate potential safety hazards and pinpoint specific solutions for your home. Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor.