Is your home insulated?
If not, there are a lot of things you’re missing out on. Attic insulation is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve the comfort and efficiency of your home. Insulating your attic is also the first step in lowering heating bills.
A well-insulated attic has a protective barrier that prevents heat from escaping through walls, ceilings, pipes, and more. So it’s easy to see why attic insulation is a great idea.
Now, let’s go over the basics of attic insulation. What exactly is it? What types are there? How hard is it to install? We’ll also touch on common problems you’ll encounter as well.
What is attic insulation and why does it matter?
Attic insulation is basically material that goes between your roof and the outside.
It’s used to keep heat in during the winter, and out during the summer. It’s also great for lowering energy bills by preventing air leakage that causes drafts or condensation. And of course, it’s important for your comfort and safety as well.
One more neat benefit is it creates a more stable temperature and humidity level in the attic. This can lower the risk of mold or other microbial growth.
The types of insulation available for your home
There are 5 main types of attic insulation you can choose from:
1. Blanket Insulation
Blanket insulation is the most popular type of attic insulation because it’s inexpensive and available to DIY homeowners.
Roll-style blanket insulation typically consists of flexible fiberglass material, sometimes with a mineral fiber or natural fiber alternative for those who are sensitive to chemical emissions.
2. Rigid Foam Insulation
Rigid foam insulation provides exceptional thermal resistance.
The material is up to 2 times stronger than most other insulating materials and can significantly reduce heat conduction through your home’s structural elements.
3. Blown-in Insulation
The blown-in insulation materials are perfect for retrofitting an attic. It uses small particles to insulate, and can conform to corners and spaces.
This is particularly helpful in avoiding damaged finishes. The insulation is typically made of cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool.
4. Structural Insulated Panels
Some insulation materials, such as blown-in fiberglass, are inconsistent and don’t provide uniform coverage. But not so with structural insulated panels (or SIPs).
SIPs provide better airtightness to your home, helping you make it quieter and more comfortable than ever before.
Better yet? Electrical boxes can be pre-installed in the walls—saving you backbreaking work typically associated with the installation of any other type of insulation.
5. Radiant Barriers
Radiant barriers stand out to consumers because of their unique advantages. And that’s because they work by trapping heat inside the house.
What makes this different from other materials is most insulation stops heat from going outside a house. The radiant barrier film is made out of metal that is thin and shiny.
These reflective surfaces are good for summertime, and they help reduce the temperature because they reflect the sun’s rays in addition to trapping heat (or cool air) inside.
How hard is it to install attic insulation?
Installing attic insulation isn’t an easy task.
The most important thing is you make sure the insulation cover reaches all of the nooks and crannies in your attic. That way, there are no cold spots for heat to escape from.
The best way to do this is by installing a plastic vapor barrier first, and then sealing everything with roof sealant or caulking.
Don’t forget about the vent holes! Make sure they’re covered up when you install new insulation.
This may take up a lot of time and energy. And it’s hard to say how long it will take someone with basic DIY skills and no experience.
But, if you do have the time on your hands then we recommend that you make a list of what supplies are needed before starting this project. And also make sure you get instructions from a professional or somebody well-versed in attic insulation.
Basic tips on keeping your attic insulated throughout the year
Make sure that your attic is properly ventilated during the summer months to avoid any sort of heat issues.
Also, take a look at your insulation once every five years and make sure it’s good and snug, not coming off or sticking out in some places.
Make sure you clean your attic every five years as well. It seems like common sense but many people don’t think about cleaning their attics at all.
Why you should get a professional to do attic insulation
Although you could do this yourself, it’s a much better idea to hire an expert.
They will also be able to assess whether you need new insulation. And if so, what type would suit the property best. Ultimately, you’ll be able to save a huge chunk of time, energy, and even money with the experienced eye of a trained HVAC specialist.
And another major thing—professional installers will always use quality materials. You won’t have to worry about your attic being compromised by a low-quality product.
This will ensure you not only have the most comfortable house possible, but also that you save the most money because of the high-quality insulation material (and experience) going into the insulation of your attic.
The Easiest Way to Get Your Attic Insulated
We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you’re interested, it’s always a good idea to hire an HVAC technician specializing in attic insulation for your home or business.
Just give us a call today at (888) 860-4826 or email us at service@ggsar.com. You can also fill out our form here for a free consultation.