Insulation is one of the most effective and cost-effective ways to make your house more energy-efficient and more comfortable. Adding new insulation to your house is a project that can be completed all year round. Insulation is something best left to professionals (such as Eco Spray Insulation) because there are some things homeowners can do to make the insulation process more seamless.
What to Do Before Your Attic Insulation Installation?
Your attic is not designed only to store some of your personal belongings but also to provide a protective barrier for your home against the cold, heat, and humidity. In order for your attic to do its job properly, it needs proper insulation. In case that your home’s attic is not insulated or has not been insulated for many years, then there is a good chance that the safety, efficiency, and comfort of your home are being compromised. But before having your attic insulated you should prepare your attic first.
Here is how you can prepare your attic before installing insulation:
1. Ensure there is a clear pathway to the Attic
The first thing that a homeowner should do is to make sure that there is adequate access to the attic. The doorway must be clear inside and outside also you should make sure that there is nothing on your steps that could cause them to trip.
2. Clean up your Attic
In case that you are using the attic space for storage then you should remove all merchandise from the space before arrival. The contractor will need to access the floor, walls, and other areas and if the attic is filled with items that you are storing, then they may not be able to access the areas they need.
3. Ventilate your Attic
You should check if your attic is ventilated because if it’s not, moisture can build up, resulting in problems like mildew, mold, structural issues, etc. A functioning soffit will permit fresh air to be drawn into the attic to help with ventilation.
4. Search for and block air leaks
If you are going to insulate the attic, one of the most important steps is to ensure no air leaks in your attic. Because even with the highest quality insulation you still need to be concerned about air leaks. One way to cover air leak spots is to use spray foam or caulk.
5. Check for water leaks
Water leakage in your attic is a huge problem for insulation because it can cause mildew, and mold and also block the heat flow. You should look for water stains, any shingles that might be missing, and damp spaces.
6. Box out your light fixtures
In order to avoid fire hazards, keep at least a 3-5 inch gap between the insulating material and light fixtures. You can do this with hardware cloth, scrap plywood, or metal flashing.
What to Do Before Your Spray Foam Insulation Installation?
Spray foam is a unique insulation product that is applied on site and it conforms to the surface where it is applied. It creates a tight building envelope which improves energy efficiency. Spray foam can seal wall cavities, crawlspaces, attics, exterior walls, and also small gaps or cracks throughout a house. When preparing your home for spray foam insulation you need to do a few things before.
Here is a to-do list to help you to get your home ready:
- Before the first initial visit from the contractor, you need to make sure there is full access to the area that requires spray foam insulation.
- In the surface that is going to be spray foamed, there should be approximately 5 feet of clearance for installers.
- All your items or furniture that can’t be moved in the area should be covered with a sheet or tarp to protect them from overspray.
- Remove any dust or debris before installation to ensure the safety and quality of the process
- Spray foam insulation is installed after the electrical, framing, and plumbing inspections are complete.
- Drywall needs to be removed before the installation of the spray foam. If you want to add insulation without removing the drywall the expanding foam may overfill the panel and can crack or break the drywall.
- You should find alternative accommodation for at least 24 hours during and after spraying.
What You Can Expect When You Return Home?
Nowadays homeowners are becoming mindful of the environmental impact building materials used in their houses have. Spray foam is certified to be safe but there may be particles in the air and obviously, you don’t want to breathe that air. Until the foam dries, there may be some amount of odor. As the foam works, it’s magic to keep the elements at bay, you can expect your heating and cooling bills to go down.
Also, you may even find that you won’t need to be bundled up with so many layers because your house will be warmer. Insulating the house will not only help you keep the desired temperature in your house all year round but it will also reduce noise pollution. Insulation prevents condensation from occurring which can result in damp and mold and this can damage the plaster, wallpaper, and paint in your house.
Eco Spray Insulation has the Expertise and Tools to Properly Insulate Your House
With many years of experience, Eco Spray Insulation is proud to be a trusted and certified insulation company in Ontario. Our company has you covered for all of your home insulation needs from attic insulation installs to basement insulation retrofits. Our insulation professionals will help you determine the areas of your house that can be upgraded in order to provide you with the biggest benefits for the lowest cost possible.
If you would like to have one of our insulation experts inspect the insulation in your house, Eco Spray Insulation offers free insulation estimates to help homeowners to get started. We install quality products and provide a fully comprehensive approach, that includes insulation and air sealing. Contact us at 1-416-860-6664, or by email at [email protected] and our Professional Team will be happy to assist you.
