DIY Attic Air Sealing | 4 Crucial Attic Air Seals DIY | Energy Saving Tips for Attic

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Is your home a little drafty this winter? Here's how to fix it! Don't forget to grab your FREE copy of our Crawl Space DIY Guide here: goo.gl/3Tya9b

[@closd555]

I have a question, I live in houston texas. How important is air sealing the attic down south? We rarely get very cold temps down here. Thanks

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

@@closd555 Great question! It can still be a great energy saver by helping keep hot attic air from coming down into your living space in the summer as well.

[@kenerwin5198]

Thanks for all your fantastic videos, I owe you far more than $10. Fantastic information, just encapsulated my crawl space thanks to you!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you so so much for the comment and donation! You are awesome!

[@0U8123MTA3]

Outstanding. I'm getting ready to replace the old insulation batting in the attic and I wanted to check for air leaks. This video helps.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you for letting me know I appreciate you watching Glad we could help

[@scramblendan]

What about the vent that goes from my basement to my attic? When this house was built they installed a metal vent (oblong - but approximately equal to an 8 inch dia) pipe that is near my clothes dryer and furnace. How does this play into what you're talking about?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Not sure why you would have a vent from your basement to your attic unless its an old duct that wasn't sealed when the equipment was removed. I'd recommend consulting an HVAC contractor or home inspector about that.

[@nesiehful]

Love the name and where have you been all my homeowner life? I figured out attic access drama last summer but just reached up to change a recessed light bulb and OMG hot hair galore! #TexasSummer

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you, I hope our information can help.

[@07aussie1]

Hi. Your video is really helpful and each one has plenty of useful tips. I have 2 questions. 1. Should I use foam sealant in the attic around my electric boxes for the ceiling fans and leave a 3-4 inch gap around each box with my insulation? 2. Can i use foam sealant around each of the HVAC ducts to seal around the 8" diameter holes in drywall? I already sealed around the plumbing and my access opening. Im currently trying to figure out installing an attic fan for our hot summers here in NC. thanks for your help.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We can help you! Feel free to submit a Ask a Ninja form with your question and we will give an in-depth answer! - crawlspaceninja.com/crawl-space-help-faq/

[@freddiedrawhorn1939]

Thinking about using flex seal stuff rubber coating

[@Michaellove85]

When my bedroom was added on upstairs in the attic they framed in the roof of the bedroom blocking off the side sections from the upper attic. So instead of having one place to deal with I have three. Also there are no gable vents not sure on the soffit vents. There are ridge vents. Should I install gable vents in all three sections or will the upper section draw the heat from the side sections

[@fbanda20]

What about wafer led lights, they have a gasket to seal unlike traditional can lights. Do those need the hats as well?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

I don't think they do require sealing but you should be able to contact the manufacturer to be sure.

[@1ronhall]

Excellent tips! I will try and tackle my attic come fall, when it’s not 500f!

[@dadlavinder]

My garage is my shop and office and general man cave, it’s very easy to heat in winter, a little $50 radiator heater keeps it reasonably comfortable but in other 8 months of the year it’s hot as hell and super humid! I have electronics and tools I cannot ruin so since I’ve lived here last few years I have ran an 8000 btu portable ac unit ducted out a lexan panel I cut for the window. Also have to run a large floor dehumidifier wide open to get the temp down to about 80F and 50% humidity this very poor process is KILLING my energy bills! I am now trying to install attic baffles, do some air sealing and install radiant barrier but working with very limited resources and having to do it myself. Eventually when funds permit I’m going to double the insulation in attic, as I figure now it’s only about r15 with a huge number of air leaks. Any advice for DIY Dad in the WV climate, zone 5 I believe

[@dgc940]

Ha Ha funny I just watched this and two months ago I installed a pull down stair case and I insulated it and sealed it with door weather stripping it is sealed for sure and insulated too

[@cme135]

Thanks for the video! I recently bought a 40 yr old home, and I was just going to use DIY blow-in insulation when your vid popped up on my feed. I'll be air sealing my attic now before I do it, which will hopefully mean I'll be one and done after I'm finished. Our upstairs can get hot so I'm hoping to fix it with adding insulation the proper way. One question though if you don't mind- I had blow-in insulation blocking my soffit vents (2 story home with a typical A-framed Gabled Roof) which I suspected since the previous homeowner didn't seem to care about maintenance. So I cleaned that up and installed baffles on the 8 vents and roof rafters, but I was wondering what to do on the other parts of the soffits that don't have vents. I blocked off the spaces between the rafters on the soffit because I didn't want the blow in to migrate over to the vents. I was planning on filling up the spaces that don't have soffit vents. Should/could I fill those unvented soffit spaces with blow-in insulation or should I install baffles on those as well? That would mean I would have non-insulated soffits, but I really don't know if that's good or bad. I live in metro-Atlanta so we can have 100 deg weather as well as freezing temps. Thanks for your time!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

The vented attic approach requires that there be sufficient height at the attic eaves for code-level required amounts of insulation. In mixed and cold climates (Climate Zones 4 and above), inadequate insulation raises the risk of wintertime condensation forming at the top plate due to cold surfaces. If the roof is too low at the eaves to install adequate amounts of blown insulation, then alternative solutions include filling the space over the top plate up to the baffle with closed-cell spray foam, or covering the top plate area with rigid foam board. (Spray foam and rigid foam have higher R-values per inch than blown insulation. Spray foam has the added advantage of air sealing the top plate-to-drywall seams and the baffle-to-top plate seam.) Another option is to convert the attic to a sealed insulated space by sealing the soffit vents and insulating along the underside of the ceiling deck with closed-cell spray foam or above the roof deck with rigid foam. In new home construction, a common solution to increase the roof height for insulation above the top plate is to use raised heel trusses. Older existing roofs are unlikely to have raised heel trusses, and they are not likely to be installed as a retrofit measure unless a complete reconstruction of the roof is required, such as when, for example a second or third story is being added. The vented attic approach requires that there be sufficient height at the attic eaves to maintain an air gap above the insulation for ventilation air traveling from the soffit vents to the ridge vents. The vent space should be at least 2 inches high as well as throughout the width of the framing bay at each soffit vent. Baffles should be installed at each soffit vent to provide this pathway for ventilation air to move up past the insulation along the underside of the roof deck to the ridge vents or mushroom cap vents located near the ridge. The lower edge of the baffle can be sealed to the attic floor at the outside edge of the top plate with spray foam, which also air-seals the top plate-to-drywall seams. The baffles also serve to prevent insulation from covering the soffit vents, and they can also prevent “wind washing,” i.e., when wind blows in the soffit vents and pushes the insulation back from the eaves. If the attic does not have soffit vents, attic ventilation can be provided by installing other types of vents, such as gable or eyebrow vents, down low near the attic floor or along with ridge vents, or by installing mushroom cap vents up near the roof ridge. Using powered attic ventilators (which are thermostatically controlled fans that exhaust attic air during hot weather) can result in increased infiltration, and associated higher cooling loads. Studies have shown that powered ventilators consume more electricity than their associated savings through air conditioner use. Installing HVAC ducts and air handlers in vented attics is not recommended. Locating ductwork and/or air-handling equipment in a vented attic can contribute to energy losses, performance issues, and ice dam formation in snowy climates, especially if the ducts and air handlers are leaky or poorly insulated. One exception is if the ductwork can be encapsulated in spray foam and buried beneath the attic floor's blown insulation. The ducts must be tightly air-sealed and covered with a sufficient amount of spray-foam insulation to minimize the risk of condensation forming on the outside of the ducts. However, because mechanical equipment, such as air handlers, cannot be adequately air-sealed, locating them in a vented attic is not recommended. If the air handler must be located in the attic, then converting the attic to a sealed insulated space should be considered. We hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@missyidontgiveacrap9939]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja While I enjoyed reading the detailed summary about vented and non vented soffits or other options, I feel that you did not entirely answer or understand the question he was asking. It’s apparent he has vented soffits, but he was asking if he should still cautious and add baffles to areas where soffits are not vented, or just go ahead and block it up with insulation. This is also my question, because I am not sure if I need to buy extra baffles for those that aren’t vented. It’s obvious that baffles are required for the ones vented…but do we need to do that for the soffits that aren’t vented?

[@freddiedrawhorn1939]

I was looking at the harbor freight krause and baume airless sprayer can I use that thing to air seal my attic do u have any advice for this step great videos man

[@jakesarms8996]

What about a walk up attic access ?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Jake - we actually sell an attic stair cover in our DIY store: diy.crawlspaceninja.com/attic-stair-cover/ Did you know that the attic access door can be one of the greatest sources of air leakage in your home? This attic stair cover solves that problem by insulating and reflecting the heat, and sealing the opening to your attic. It will help you save energy and money by lowering your heating and cooling bills. The Hatchway Attic Stair cover is relatively easy to install (takes around 1 hour) but if you need help we can handle the install for you. Let us know if you have any other questions. We appreciate you watching and hope you have a happy and blessed day!

[@teacherlynn671]

My problem is that I have blown in insulation and it covers the floor joists which are really on 2X4’s on edge as part of a roofing truss. How can I walk up there or can I build something to be able to walk above the joists?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We have seen where unfinished attics have Thick plywood to be able to move about, but please be careful and if it feels dangerous dont step on it!

[@JagdeepSingh-cg7lj]

I'm working on my attic right now would it be good idea to air seal around all of the studs along with what was mentioned in this video

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Jagdeep, that would probably be a good idea.

[@rswow]

Music-free version please.

[@jamessiberrysaunders402]

Thanks for the great videos and advice. I just did an energy audit on my house from 1892 and I am trying to air seal the attic. The problem is it was ballon framed so there are no top plates on any of the walls. How would you go about air sealing a balloon framed attic?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

The BASC has a great article on how to air seal a balloon framed attic: basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/air-seal-top-plates-or-blocking-missing-top-walls-adjoining-unconditioned-spaces#edit-group-description

[@teacherlynn671]

Thank you for all your videos and help. You sure look different at times but always good, lol. I want to build something about the roof truss so I can put plywood down and have you ever seen anything like that? This way I can keep the insulation below and not compress it and even put more in? I just need a walkway to get to both sides of the attic so the walkway will be 12” to 16” wide

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Without being able to see your attic and the set up it would be hard for us to give you proper advice, so the best advice we can give you is contact a local contractor so they can assist you with your plans.

[@teacherlynn671]

@@CrawlSpaceNinjaThanks for replying. I found a video where they built a box on top of the joists out of 2 X 10’s and filled it full of insulation and put plywood on top so if formed a walkway. Thank you again.

[@yogendra1734567u8i]

should i air seal the top plate by the eaves? the end of the dry wall to the outer wall/frame? it seems a little inaccessible but i can feel a 1/4 inch gap there

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Yes, seal every opening, leaving 1 (ONE) vent open , we do offer the spray foam on at our DIY Store on crawlspaceninja.com

[@crystalburnham9757]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja what is one-- one 14.5 " line? Flat roof 1890's row house over here. Not sure if I have vents. Def have old chimneys leading up and through the attic from the wet shale bsmt-crawlspace Upstate NY

[@TheBadurpa]

Thank You ........ Congratulations ........Your a Triple Master......

[@spacecadet_woodworks]

I don’t have an attic hatch/access door...I want to add insulation to the attic and seal it up, but not sure the best way to get in. Would you recommend making my own hatch or maybe making one of the gable vents into a door?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thanks for asking!!!! It will be more sufficient if you make the hatch

[@spacecadet_woodworks]

thanks for the reply!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

@@spacecadet_woodworks You are most welcome!

[@Geminijedi82]

I have many can lights, they are IC rated and LED, do I need to cover those?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

ideally yes

[@Soprano0913]

Hey Bro! I love your videos. Been watching and sub scribed for some time now. Your approach is very knowledgeable and honest. I'm looking for some direction and advise. I have a 2175 sq foot. split level home with ridge vent and 3 gable end vents. getting siding done soon they said they would put in soffit vents which makes sense. I plan on purchasing your gap foam kit to air seal attic top plates. other than that should I get a gable fan? i'm just trying to be more efficient and not have A/c run as long. I saw the solar fan option but i heard they arent suitable if you have a ridge vent also how strong can that be if its only powered by solar. I know whole home fans are popular but cant use them in a heatwave cause it will bring humid air into house. looking forward to your response.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

You have to calculate the net free venting that your soffit/ridge vent allows. The manufacturer of the soffit/ridge vent should have specs you can look up. A gable vent can help a lot as well, but if you can meet the 1 sq ft of vent per 150 sq ft of attic space then you shouldn't need a gable vent. I typically install the entire soffit edge with venting to meet/exceed the venting requirements. Just make sure you put a decent soffit baffle so that the insulation doesn't get washed flat or away from the edge of the ceiling so that you have whatever the minimum R value of insulation your area requires all the way to edge.

[@Brandon-no3vc]

When you air seal attic don't you have 2 vent the living space somehow from gasses and stale air and such?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Attics need air barriers to keep them separate from the rest of the house.

[@Brandon-no3vc]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja what do you use? and then once you do that wont you have to vent the living space with a erv or something? what happens if you dont ?

[@whitneyjdodson]

Michael, how would you insulate an unfinished 2nd floor with an actual stairwell?

[@enkrypt3d]

put an exterior door at the top of the stairs?

[@FunWithMatt]

Thank you for all the information!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulr5515]

Thank you. Very informative!

[@CCP600]

Did you stop doing duck dynasty? Si cracks me up

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Gotta diversify :)

[@freewoodencrosses]

what if you use led lights in attic cans?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Make sure you get covers that are designed for LED lights.

[@TheBadurpa]

I love your Knowledge ....

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Samuel Hart Thank you so much !

[@jason4547]

Am i the only one with a newer home that has the Attic pull down in the garage, that's not climate controlled ? Is all this info only relevant to older style homes ? Am i missing something ? I was under the impression that if you have a home with eave vents and an attic door in your garage. you should open the attic door in the summer to pull the excessive heat out of the attic in-order for your CHA to run more efficiently.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

If that's your goal, then absolutely. That would definitely increase the stack effect in that area and allow more air to ventilate the attic. You would also need the garage door open to really help move the air. However, if you're in the south where it's humid, you may not want to leave the garage door open.

[@veganboyscout]

yay! I was the 1000th person to like this video! Do I win anything?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Virtual high-five!! 🖐 Thanks for your support!

[@sunnyd6019]

LOL you look like the one brother from Duck Dynasty.

[@crazyamericangamer7036]

I dont want my house to burn down doing this stuff

[@DBR00]

Next time, please lose the music. Otherwise, a good video.

[@viorelgalan7913]

You lost me at spray foam.