Are you tired of feeling cramped in your own home? Do you wish for more space to relax or work from home without interference from others?

If so, it might be time to consider renovating your attic space! You can bring in area rugs and incorporate more natural light, but there’s no substitute for a total attic remodel.

Attic remodeling can provide a convenient and cost-effective solution to maximize the square footage of your house. You can even turn your unused attic into a home office or one of the coziest living spaces in your home.

In this blog post, we will explore some expert tips and tricks that to help you make the most out of your attic renovation project.

So let's dive right in and discover how you can transform your dusty old attic into a functional living space that meets all your needs, even if you’ve never renovated a space before!

Tip 1: Air Seal Your Attic

One important step you should take when undergoing the process of remodeling your attic room that many people forget is to air seal it. Essentially, air sealing your attic means looking around for leaks and determining where you need to seal them. Thankfully, air sealing your attic is not a complicated process, but it’s an extremely beneficial one; it will not only allow your HVAC system to work better, but it will make the space more comfortable for you and your family.

To air seal your attic, pick up some Silicone Sealant and a Caulking Gun. (You can pick up both of these materials in one quick stop from Silicone Depot!) You’ll also need insulation and some basic tools, so make sure you have a toolbox on hand. Having other materials like scissors and extra silicone sealant can help you get the job done more smoothly and quickly.

Next, look for common locations of leaks such as your attic hatch, behind supporting walls, and around any windows or lights. You can check every nook and cranny if you’re concerned about leakage in unusual areas, but for most people, checking problem areas will be enough to seal up most major leaks in the attic.

Now you’ve located the air leaks, and it’s time to seal them up. Next, you’ll insulate those areas and apply a high-quality silicone caulk to ensure that no air is able to get in or escape.

Tip 2: Follow Local Building Codes

If you’re completing your very first attic remodel on your own, it’s important to research and follow local building codes carefully. Otherwise, you could face fines or have to redo your attic remodel altogether. Building codes specify certain parameters for your attic; for example, they might set a minimum ceiling height or square footage.

Here are just some of the guidelines you’ll need to keep in mind under the International Building Codes (IBC) 2018:

• Ventilation Required: Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain or snow. Ventilation openings shall have a least dimension of 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) minimum and 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) maximum. Ventilation openings having a least dimension larger than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) shall be provided with corrosion-resistant wire cloth screening, hardware cloth, perforated vinyl, or similar material with openings having a least dimension of 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) minimum and 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) maximum.
• Minimum Vent Area: The minimum net free ventilating area shall be 1/150 of the area of the vented space. For example, if your attic is 10500 square feet, your ventilating area would have to be at least 70 square feet. Some exceptions apply depending on the specific square footage of your attic.

It’s especially important that you follow the building codes surrounding insulation and ventilation. These rules are not only critical for your safety, but also for your comfort while living in your attic and the rest of your home.

Pick Up High-Quality Silicone Sealant For Your Attic Remodel

When you’re completing a DIY attic remodel project to improve your existing attic space, the last thing you want to deal with is cheap materials that are hard to apply or aren’t durable. One of the most important materials you’ll buy for your attic remodel is silicone sealant. Silicone sealant is used for waterproofing, insulation, and more, so it’s critical that you purchase a high-quality, long-lasting sealant. This is the best way to make sure that your finished space is properly ventilated and insulated.

Check out Silicone Depot’s catalog of silicone sealant and sealant accessories to help you tackle your attic remodel project today.