Insulating systems are designed to reduce the movement of heat, control moisture, and to enable proper ventilation. A poorly insulated home isn’t only an energy hog, but also an uncomfortable place to live. The attic is an important home insulator, and it can help greatly in controlling long-term energy utility expenses. It is estimated that a well-insulated house can reduce energy bills by more than $600 yearly. The main trick is determining how much attic insulation you need and the best material to use.
Do You Need More Attic Insulation?
In case you or your contractor at JBS Roofing note that your home has minimal insulation, consider how much energy you may be losing for a minor problem. The first thing you should do is head up the attic ladder or stairs to see what’s there. Can you see strips of fiberglass between the joists and rafters? Is the attic finished, or can you see open and exposed rafters? Is your ceiling finished or open and exposed? Although your attic is insulated, check whether it is damaged by water and if it requires fixing.
Air Sealing
An attic insulation project cannot be completed without sealing all air leaks between your attic and the living space. This is especially during wintertime when the conditioned air that makes your home comfortable rises through convection and escapes through the attic. This results in chilling drafts and cold rooms.
3 Types of Attic Insulation
Fiberglass Insulation
This is a blanket or roll-on type of insulation that is either 15 or 23 inches wide, and it is designed to fit between spaces of typical framing. In case your attic floor has some insulation already, roll out the fiberglass at right angles to insulate over the frames. If you are planning to do the job yourself, this type of attic insulator is the best. However, be extra cautious not to compress it, or it won’t be fully effective.
Loose-fill Insulation
This type of insulation requires a machine that shoots up a stream of cellulose over the remaining attic floor framing. In most cases, this job is conducted by an experienced roofing contractor. The main advantage of this type of insulation is that it does a good job in filling small crevices that are normally difficult to reach.
Sprayed Polyurethane Foam
This is a good choice if you are planning to convert your attic into a finished room. In such a case, ensure that you have insulated the roof first and not the floor. The foam has a high R-rating per inch, molds to the rafters, and blocks water vapor. However, expect to pay almost double the cost of each square-foot of loose-fill and roll-on insulation
Not all types of attic insulation are right for every house. This is why you should hire an experienced insulation contractor to help you determine which type and how much insulation is needed. Without such knowledge, you may end up with stale air and excess moisture. The most recent and common type of attic insulation is cellulose insulation which is also more environmental-friendly. This type of insulation has become very popular and has outshined fiberglass insulation.
Find a Qualified Attic Insulation Contractor
Without the assistance of a qualified professional, you won’t be able to know how much attic insulation is enough. It’s often a difficult balance, and this explains why there is a specialty in the construction field for insulation contracting. With insulation, demands differ from home to home, and climate to climate, it is a difficult task to know the adequate amount of home insulation. Therefore, if you find that your home is drafty, the air is stale or stuffy, or if you notice spots of moisture build-up or mold, consult a professional.
Attic insulation is an important home maintenance task that is often ignored. However, it significantly contributes to the number of energy expenses, the quality of air, your impact on the environment, and your quality of life and health. Therefore, if you note that you may need less, more, or a different kind of insulation, it is advisable to get the professional opinion of an attic insulator contractor.
