Building Your Dream Apartment

Why You Should Consider Insulating Your Attic When Remodelling Your Home

14 March 2017

Julian Caldwell

If you're in the process of remodelling your home, you may have already considered ways in which you can save more energy. One great way is to install insulation in the attic; while this isn't the most exciting project, it could end up saving you up to 45% of the energy you need for cooling and heating your home. If you already have insulation, but it is old, it may be worth upgrading it to be sure it is still as effective as it used to be.

In houses with no insulation at all in the attic, rising heat escapes easily through the roof. The only way to prevent this is through insulation. While it is a good idea to consult a professional, the following are some tips to keep in mind for if you decide to insulate your attic by yourself. Before you start any work, though, The Building Code of Australia has certain requirements for energy efficiency, including required total R-values for building fabric, so it's also necessary to research this first.

Use the right insulation

There are a few types of insulation, though many of these, including cellulose insulation, are best left to installation by professionals. For an at-home job, you may want to consider using fibreglass or mineral wool batts. You've probably seen fibreglass batts before; they are fluffy and pink and often found in attics, and they are widely available. An advantage to both types of batts is that they come in standard thicknesses and widths and are designed to fit between studs, rafters and joists.

Check how much insulation you'll need

Measure your attic's square footage to figure out how much insulation you'll need.  If using batts, calculate the number based on the width and length of the product you're using. For convenience sake, be sure to get a few extra bags just in case you underestimate how many you'll need.

Find somewhere else for your storage needs

It may be worth finding somewhere else to store your belongings once you have your new insulation, and it's best to avoid walking on the insulation unless you have to. Storing boxes, etc., on top of it will compress it and detract from its efficacy. If you do intend to use your attic for storage, be sure to lay boards over the joists, then install the batts between the joist and place insulation boards on top. Finish the job by placing more wooden boards on top.

These are just some of the things you need to consider before embarking on a DIY insulation job in your attic, but whether you decide to insulate on your own or leave it in the hands of a professional, a properly insulated attic is guaranteed to keep your house warm in the winter months and save you money on your energy bills.

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