What Are the Best Tips for Attic Repair?

Tips for attic repair include taking care not to disturb any electrical wires that could be damaged and cause a fire. If converting an attic to a storage area, wood can be cut outside before hauling into the attic to make the job easier. When doing attic repair with insulation, skin and eyes should be protected from irritation caused by loose fibers. If the repair job involves ventilation, the size and style of fans should adequately cover the size of the home.

Insulation keeps a home warmer in the winter and reduces the amount of heat coming into the house during hot months. Most types of insulation used for attic repair come with different values of heat resistance, referred to as R-value. In some areas, the R-value is set by local building codes, making it important to check insulation regulations required by government before purchasing. One important tip when installing insulation in an attic involves allowing adequate distance from lights, chimneys, or any other heat source to reduce fire danger.

Homeowners doing attic repair to create storage space should make sure support beams can adequately hold the weight of items stored. Attic joists might need reinforcement before plywood flooring goes in. Plywood should not cover electrical wires; they should be moved prior to attic projects. An attic repair job might be made easier by installing a pull-down ladder before tackling a large job that requires carrying building supplies upstairs. Adding sufficient lighting improves safety, with fluorescent lights creating less heat.

Improving ventilation represents an attic task that might lower heating and cooling bills. Attic fans force hot air from the space and draw in fresh air from outside the structure. The size and style of the fan chosen should be adequate for the type of roofline and size of the building. A large house might need two fans to provide proper ventilation, with both installed at the top of the attic space where heat rises. Some fans include an automatic on/off switch regulated by the temperature in the attic, making them useful devices to conserve electricity.

If an attic repair job involves a plumbing leak, a coupling fixture might solve a problem with improper caulking. Banded rubber fittings might make the job easier and eliminate the need for toxic glue to connect the ends of plastic pipe. If the glue is used, care should be taken to avoid inhaling fumes over a long period of time in the confined space.