The spray foam insulation is an ideal place to install insulation as it offers relatively easy access and it provides a good opportunity to improve the overall energy efficiency of a home through air sealing and ventilation. However, if an attic does not have a sheet-material air barrier, installing one should be the first priority before proceeding to install insulation. The next step is to make sure that the attic is adequately ventilated (see Part 2.2, Control of moisture).
To reduce heat loss from the attic, all joist spaces should be insulate to a depth greater than the height of the joists, with no gaps around the rafters. Loose-fill insulation may be poured by hand or blown in using equipment that is available for rent or purchase, and it should be blown to an even thickness above the joists (see Figure 5-23). Before adding insulation, nail down depth indicators (such as strips of plywood nailed perpendicular to joists) or mark highly visible lines on joists so that you can easily gauge insulation depth.
Spray Foam vs. Cellulose: Which Insulation Is Right for You?
It is recommended that you use a high R-value of insulation – the higher the R-value, the better the material insulates. Closed-cell spray foam is a good choice as it both air seals and insulates, but you can also use blown-in cellulose or rigid foam board.
Before beginning to install insulation, it is a good idea to clear all boxes, storage items and debris from the attic floor. This step is important as items stored directly on attic insulation can compress it, reducing its effectiveness by up to half.
Georgia Insulation
2092 Crow Rd, Gainesville, GA 30501
(770)758-4459