You can go a long way with just a little extra care to your attic area. Attic insulation can save you a lot of money on your cooling and heating bills, regardless of whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one. A poorly insulated attic puts a strain on even the most energy-efficient HVAC systems.
For many homeowners, comfort is just as important as saving money on their utility bills. A hotter upstairs room than downstairs can impair your home’s overall comfort level if the temperature in each room varies. Because your home is protected from the extremes of the outer environment by the insulation in your attic, the temperature in your house will never fluctuate.
If you think you can handle it, you can either do it yourself on a weekend or hire a professional to do it for you in a few hours. Attic insulation is not an extensive renovation project.
For your convenience, we’ve put up this step-by-step instruction. For those who are not completing the work themselves, basic knowledge might help them make an informed decision when purchasing attic insulation Richmond.
The following are the topics covered in depth in this manual:
Attic Insulation: What Is It Good For?
By creating a barrier between your home’s interior and the outside world, attic insulation helps to keep heat from escaping via the roof. In both the summer and winter, it keeps your house safe from the extremes of the outside temperature. It is essential to insulate the attic since the vast majority of heat and cold air comes and goes through the roof.
When the sun comes directly down on your house, especially in the afternoon, your attic gets the brunt of the heat, which then radiates out throughout the rest of your home. Insulation in the attic can help save up to 85% of your home’s heat in the winter.
Insulating your cooling and heating appliances will save you money in the long run. Attic insulation can reduce your energy costs by 15% on average, according to the EPA. Temperature swings not only increase your expenses, but they also put more strain on your HVAC system, causing it to break down sooner. When it comes to weather swings in your home, attic insulation is a huge assistance.
Insulating your attic by the Insulation Removal and Replacement contractor improves the quality of the air in your home. If your house isn’t well-insulated, pollutants from the outside can seep in, affecting the quality of the air you breathe. As a result of insulating your attic, contaminants will not spread throughout the rest of your house. As a bonus, it keeps your house dry by preventing the accumulation of moisture. During the summer, high humidity can cause water vapour to infiltrate into your walls, which can lead to mould growth.
First Consider Insulating Your Attic.
The structure’s outside windows.
When shopping for attic insulation, keep in mind that there are various components to take into account.
R-Value
The resistance per inch of thickness is quantified by the R-value. It determines how well your insulation is able to withstand the flow of heat. In order to get the best performance and efficiency, you should go for a larger value. The suggested R-value for most attics is R3.8, which varies based on the type of insulation used.
In terms of insulation, how much is required?
Keeping these things in mind will help you determine how much insulation your attic needs:
- Depending on the climate in your area, you may need extra insulation with greater R-values in order to keep your home safe.
- If you live in an older house, you’ll need extra insulation to keep the temperature down.
- Your attic’s volume: Your attic’s size has an impact on how much insulation you need. Consult a specialist if you need help from an expert.
- Attic joists should be covered with insulation, so bear that in mind. Add insulation if you can clearly see the joists. The insulation in your attic must be installed uniformly.
Insulation Material Types
A variety of materials can be used to insulate the attic. It is important to learn about the various materials available for attic insulation before making a purchase.
- R-values range from 3.8 to 5 per inch for polystyrene, which is primarily used in foam board insulation.
- R-values range from 3.5 to 6.5 per inch for liquid polyurethane insulation. When utilised in open cell or closed cell insulation, the value changes.
- Cardboard, straw, and newspaper are all used to make cellulose, the main component. An insulating material, it has been in use for many years. Its R-value per inch is 3.8.
- It’s easy to cut fibreglass insulation because it’s constructed of light, woven fibres. R-value of 2.7 on average is typical for blanket insulation.
- DENIM: Denim cotton is used to make it. It’s non-toxic and simple to set up, but it’s also more expensive than other options available today. Airflow is best blocked with an R-value of 3.5.
- Rock wool and slag wool are examples of mineral wool. Slag, on the other hand, is created from molten metal’s waste products. It has a 3.3 R-value. Although it is fireproof, it is more costly than other solutions.
When Is Attic Insulation Not Necessary?
In older homes, attic insulation should be approached cautiously. Between the walls of older homes, there was a lot of room for expansion. Mold can grow in these areas if they are covered with insulation, which prevents the moisture from drying out and causing harm.
You can’t insulate a wood-shingled roof, either. This type of earlier roofing material was designed to dry on its own when it was exposed to rain or other moisture. Moisture can build up in insulation if it is stuffed.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Attic Insulation Types
Consider the ease of installation and the R-value when comparing different types of attic insulation and deciding which will work best for your home.
The following are the options that are frequently employed:
- Insulation Foam Boards
Depending on the thickness, foam boards can have an R-value of up to 6.5. Polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate are some of the ingredients used to make them. When compared to other materials of the same thickness, their thermal resistance is two times stronger.
A foam board is great for humid environments since it does not retain moisture.
- Insulation Made Easy with Spray Foam
It is sprayed into the wall cavities and attic surfaces with liquid polyurethane, which hardens as it cools. Because it can be used in the smallest of areas, and because it is effective at preventing air leakage, its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. In terms of limiting heat and cold transfer, this is the most expensive option. Spray foam is more complicated than it appears, so if you’ve never used it before, you might want to hire a pro.
Two types of spray foam insulation are available:
- Closed-cell: The cells of this type are filled with gas, which aids in the expansion of the foam to fill the surrounding gaps. At 6.2/inch, it has the greatest R-value.
- This type of cell has a spongy texture because it is filled with air. The R-value for this one is 3.7.
- For your safety, avoid spray foam insulation that contains urea and formaldehydes.
