Sanitizing and Transforming a 2,100 sq ft attic for a Better Home Performance

Doris wanted to make her Pittsburgh home more energy efficient and comfortable throughout the year. With approximately 2,100 square feet of attic space, the condition of the attic had a major impact on the performance of the home below. In addition to high energy bills and uncomfortable upstairs temperatures, there was visible mold and evidence of rodent activity in the attic. Mold buildup was also noted around the gutters. Rather than simply adding more insulation, this project required addressing multiple attic concerns as part of one comprehensive solution.

Our team began by addressing the existing attic conditions and preparing the space for the improvements to follow. With evidence of rodents present, contaminated materials and affected areas needed to be properly addressed before building a new insulation system.

We then completed comprehensive attic air sealing, including sealing top plates, encapsulating the HVAC ductwork, and sealing other leakage points throughout the large attic. These openings can allow conditioned air to escape from the living space and enter the attic, contributing to energy loss and making second-floor temperatures harder to control. We finished this project by constructing catwalk decking, for better access to equipment and for storage, and upgrading to blown-in TruSoft cellulose insulation to a value of R-49.

The finished project gives Doris a home that's better equipped to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the seasons while reducing unnecessary energy loss.

This project is a great example of why attic improvements aren't simply about adding more insulation. Proper preparation, air sealing, and a complete insulation system all work together to create a healthier, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient home.