In the past year i ve been on an energy hog hunt in my house and landed on air sealing my attic before adding blown insulation.
Air seal attic diy.
Then finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking foam weatherstrip photos 10 and 11.
The number one prep step.
I m all about diy when it saves me time or money.
If your hatch rests directly on the moldings like ours did add 2 1 2 in wide stops around the.
When you re done sealing your attic bypasses push the insulation back into place with an old broom handle or stick as you back out of the attic.
In many homes the combined air leaks in these two areas add up to a half window being open all day long.
I was a bit shocked at the 1 500 2 500 contractor estimates for attic sealing.
Find a diagram of common air leaks here here s a quick primer on fixing draft prone spots.
For the simple reason that heat rises insulating the attic is a major energy saving measure.
Gaps in the attic or between the lower floors and the attic will let heated or cooled air escape to the great unconditioned outdoors making any insulation you add essentially useless.
While the air leaks around windows and doors are significant and most noticeable you are probably losing a lot more air and energy in your attic and basement.