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blakebeck

Attic Insulation OK in Cold Weather?

2 years ago

Next week we are getting our older fiber glass insulation sucked out, we going to then air seal and refill. We have a ranch home in Wisconsin.

The company is going to leave the attic uninsulated for one day between so I can do a little work. They said it’s fine…

The concern I have is that next week for that open day it’s suppose to be a high of 20-25* with snow and a low of 10-15*… do I need to worry about drywall cracking or any other issues? There are. It water pipes up there or anything.

Thank you!

Thanks in advance!

Comments (9)

  • 2 years ago

    You don't need to worry about drywall cracking but the pipes aren't going to stand those temperatures without spliting. I'd turn water off and drain pipes til it gets above freezing or the place is insulated.

    Blake thanked klem1
  • 2 years ago

    We will have furnace going and there aren’t water pipes in the attic area.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Whether it creates a problem depends on the amount of air leakage into the attic and the amount of attic ventilation. Your insulation contractor is in the best position to advise you.

    Blake thanked Charles Ross Homes
  • 2 years ago

    Let any water pipe location drip slowly over the low temp time period.

    Blake thanked dan1888
  • 2 years ago

    My advice - this actually happened last year: unless it absolutely can’t wait until March or later… cancel and wait. We had a squirrel issue and the contractor took all of the insulation from our attic (Jan 15, 2023) and due to a misunderstanding it was over a week between removal and our scramble to find someone to put new insulation in. It did cause a crack in our garage drywall although no issues inside. We live in IL so strongly recommend waiting. The real issue was the house having a blasting furnace for a full week with under 10 degree temps. Frankly it wasn’t warm the entire time.

    Blake thanked Meredith Otto
  • 2 years ago

    Thanks everyone, we are going to go for it!! We moved up the refill to the next day so it should be 14-16hrs max being empty. It'll be airsealed on the evac day and we have double thick drywall ceilings, which should help. Additionally I'll keep house at a low low humidity level and lower than usual temps to avoid a HUGE contrast and condensation possibility!


    If I don't write more, assume it went great. If the house falls to the ground, then I will be sure to post pictures!

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    It is interesting to note the difference that air sealing makes versus insulation R-value.

  • 2 years ago

    Yes! I always read it was the most important thing to do. Now I’m 100% a believer