Attic Insulation Facts - Barrier Insulation Inc

If you want to know what every homeowner should know about Attic insulation, read on to learn more. It is not often we do this but the following is quoted from a very helpful article that first appeared in the Washington Post in July, 2017. You may view the entire article here.

602-499-2922

Get A Free Quote

There are many building components in a home that are hidden behind drywall or just out of sight.

You could just dial down the thermostat and wear yet another sweater to cut costs, but investing in the right home improvements can go a lot further to cut expenses and to improve your day-to-day comfort. One of the places in your home where a little bit of attention can make a big difference in your comfort — and heating bill — is the attic. According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating the attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill.

Additionally, having a structural engineer evaluate the size of the rafters is also important. Many older homes in the D.C. area have rafters that may be undersized compared with current code requirements. If the rafters are split or appear to be sagging, they may need to be strengthened before proceeding further with insulation.

Make sure your attic is air sealed — meaning eliminating any holes, cracks or other gaps that can allow air transfer between the inside and the outside. This will help maintain the desired temperature.

Common methods for air sealing include filling holes with expanding foam and caulk. Also keep in mind that even with air sealing, attics typically require some degree of ventilation. A professional can assist with evaluating your roof ventilation system and determining how it needs to be maintained.

After confirming that your attic is air sealed, you need to select insulation. There are many types to choose from, including blown-in cellulose, batt (such as fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton) and spray foam.

When selecting insulation, there are three main factors to consider: desired R-value, available space and cost of insulation. The R-value is the rating for the insulating material’s thermal resistance, usually per inch of material. Thus, the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Different types of insulation take up different amounts of space to insulate effectively. Typical fiberglass batt insulation has an R-value between 2.9 and 3.8 per inch of thickness. So to achieve an R-49, you will need between 13 and 17 inches thick of batt insulation. Depending on the conditions of your attic, that may be difficult to achieve.

Schedule Your Insulation Services Today!

602-499-2922

Get A Free Quote

Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.