How do I know if I need more insulation?

Short answer: Look across the attic. If the insulation is level with or below the floor joists, you probably need more; if you cannot see the joists at all, you probably have enough [1]. Cold floors, rooms that never warm up, a hot upstairs in summer and ice dams are the other signs.

The attic check

ENERGY STAR: Looking across your attic, if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation. And: If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, you probably have enough [1].

Check the edges too. ENERGY STAR notes sometimes there is enough insulation in the middle of the attic and very little along the eaves [1].

Do not step between the joists; you will go through the ceiling. A flashlight from the hatch is enough. Or text us a photo from the hatch at 740-590-5352 and we will tell you what we see.

Other signs

• Cold floors over a crawl space. Usually fallen or missing insulation underneath. Crawl spaces.
• A room over the garage that never warms up. Why that happens.
• Upstairs too hot in summer. The attic is letting heat pour down.
• Icicles and ice dams. Heat leaking into the attic. Ice dams.
• Outside walls cold to the touch in an older house. The walls may be empty. Blown in walls.

Is it worth it

EPA estimates homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements [2].

Before you add any

Some things should be dealt with first. ENERGY STAR lists knob and tube wiring, which can be a fire hazard when in contact with insulation [3]. EPA says to assume vermiculite contains asbestos and not to disturb it [4]. Insulation must stay at least 3 inches from recessed can lights unless they are rated IC [5].

More questions

Is adding insulation worth it?

EPA estimates an average of 15% savings on heating and cooling costs, or 11% on total energy costs, from air sealing and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.