Should I Add Insulation To My Attic Or Windows First

Windows insulation and new mechanical systems.

Should i add insulation to my attic or windows first.

Unless something is actively failing it can be difficult to know which to tackle first. Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Most homeowners go about re insulating their attics all wrong. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Not getting insulation out to the edges when you re prepping the attic use a broom handle or stick to push the existing insulation out to the edges. Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary. In certain situations it could be beneficial to replace your windows with new energy efficient ones. What s far more important than simply adding attic insulation is to have air sealing performed first.

The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. People usually consider three major upgrades. This is more expensive and usually requires a contractor but it may be worth the cost especially if you live in a very cold climate. Attic hatch or door.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Pull down stair or ladder. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Not sealing attic air leaks first no amount of insulation is going to help if you don t seal your attic properly says olson.

Do you need new windows. This is the labor intensive part. Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. If your attic has enough insulation and proper air sealing and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. While windows and doors can cause drafts replacing or adding to the insulation in your home and properly air sealing can be much more effective and affordable than installing new energy efficient windows. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. A lot of people want to replace old windows first.

Insulation level are specified by r value. If you ve considered adding attic insulation to your home this year please read this first. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.