Your Attic Is Leaking Heat: The Cheap Fix Roofers Know (Do This, Not That), by The Grandpa Knew on YouTube. 30 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 30 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 days
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Put on a respirator, glasses and gloves before you climb up. Step only on joists or lay knee boards across them, because a wrong step goes through the ceiling.
On a cold day, look for dirty insulation, dark stains and gaps around pipes and wires. These mark the spots where warm air is leaking out.
Seal the attic hatch first. Glue rigid foam or batt insulation to the back of the hatch door and add weatherstripping around the frame so it closes tight.
Seal around recessed lights. Only cover IC-rated lights, and keep insulation a safe distance from non-IC lights, which get hot.
Fill gaps around pipes, wires and the tops of walls with foam sealant or caulk. Seal the duct and fan openings where they pass through the ceiling.
Check that bathroom fans vent outside, not into the attic. Tape loose duct joints with foil tape.
Measure your current insulation depth and check the recommended level for your climate zone. Add batts or blown-in insulation to reach it.
Keep soffit vents clear. Use foam baffles or rafter vents so air can still flow from the eaves to the ridge.
Control moisture by fixing roof and plumbing leaks and making sure the attic is vented. Never seal a damp attic shut.
Tips and common mistakes
Never bury soffit vents with insulation, because the attic needs airflow to stay dry.
Do not seal over non-IC recessed lights or you create a fire risk.
If you find vermiculite insulation, leave it alone and check EPA guidance before touching it.
Sealing air leaks matters as much as adding insulation, so do both.
Questions
How much insulation do I need?
It depends on your climate zone. Measure the current depth and compare it with the U.S. Department of Energy recommendation for your area.
Can I seal the attic myself?
Yes, for most homes with a safe, reachable attic. Hire a pro if the attic is cramped, very hot or has vermiculite insulation.
Will this lower my bills?
Air sealing and insulation can reduce heat loss, but savings vary by home. Check Energy Star and local rebate programs for help with costs.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
