This is a simple, cheap way to insulate your attic.

Step 1: Do You Need It?

Disclamer: I am not responsible for any damage of your personal property, injury, cuts, scratches, or anything else. This involves going in your attic, if you do not feel comfortable doing this project ask a friend, or hire a professional. I am not responsible for your actions.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THIS IF YOU HAVE ASTHEMA

You're probably reading this because you need to insulate your attic, or would like to add some insulation to your attic. Either way this is a simple cheap way to take care of the problem.

I needed to insulate my attic after moving into a new house that had no insulation whatsoever. I decided to look in the attic because I had the hardest time keeping my house warm. My house was built in the 30's when houses were built without insulation.

I went to the home improvement store and looked at the insulation and decided on blow in insulation because it is recycled, doesn't itch, and is simple to work with. They only had one blower there and someone had it, and I did not want to rent it anyway, nor did I have a way to get it to my house (I drive a Honda Accord).

Step 2: Gather Materials

Depending on the size of your attic, and desired thickness of insulation you may need to by 50 bags or 5 bags. Remember...the thicker the insulation, the higher the R-Value, and the easier it is to heat/cool your house.

I recommend using an electric leaf blower due to the enclosed area and start-ups and shut-downs, but mostly for overall safety.

I also do not recommend doing this alone, get a buddy or family up there in case you pass out or need some help.

You will need:
Insulation
Leaf blower
Dust mask(s)
Extension cords
Friend/Family
Attic
Attic lights/flash lights/drop light

It took me about 18 bags of insulation and cost about $150

Step 3: Prepare the Blower

You can't just grab a leaf blower and use it as is, unless its missing the vent guard.

The leaf blower will need to be the mulching type (most are).

To remove the vent guard on the leaf blower I used, I simply had to remove four screws and was able to remove the guard without disassembling the whole blower.

Yours may be different, or may even just snap off.

Once the guard is off you're good to go.

Step 4: Enter the Attic With Tools Needed

My garage door tracks were mounted to part of the entrance making the attic entrance much, much smaller...but I fit...barley...in fact the hole was slightly smaller then the bag of insulation.

Step 5: Open Bag of Insluation and Dump It Out

Make sure you are wearing your mask!

Open a bag of insulation with a knife or tear it open. Make sure that you set it somewhere that will support it.

Begin insulating. Just point the end of the blower where you want insulation to go, and cram the inlet into the insulation and watch it fly! Cover all areas of your house as thick or thin as you'd like.