Everything You Need To Know About Attic Insulation
Your attic is a great place to convert into a living space or use as storage. However, given its location, the attic can get incredibly hot, which can impact the temperature inside the rest of your home. For this reason, attic insulation is important. If you would like to know more about attic insulation, keep reading.
What Are the Signs of Inadequate Attic Insulation?
One of the leading signs that you have inadequate attic insulation is high energy bills. Because the attic can absorb heat from outside in the summer, a hot attic can make your home too warm. On the other hand, when the attic steals some heat from the house on colder days, it can create drafts and cold spots as cool air rushes in to fill the space left behind. Other signs include:
- Ice damming
- Pests
- Moisture in the attic
- Frozen pipes
What Types of Insulation Are Good for Attics?
There are many types of insulation, and when choosing one for your attic, you need to consider three factors: the type of insulation, the material used, and the R-value. Common insulation types include blanket batt, loose-fill/blown-in, foam board, and spray foam.
All are great options for an unfinished attic, but if your attic is finished, loose-fill/blown-in may be the best choice because the technician only makes a small hole in the wall to install the insulation. The tech may need to remove the walls to replace other types of insulation. Spray foam is typically more expensive and harder to install, but it is incredibly efficient.
You also must choose the type of material. Common materials include:
- Fiberglass
- Mineral wool
- Cellulose
- Natural fibers
- Polyurethane
The type of material plays a huge role in the R-value. This value determines how well the material blocks the transfer of heat. The higher the number, the more heat the material blocks.
In addition, don't forget to consider adding special insulation around exposed ducts and pipes in the attack. This helps keep air and liquid naturally cooler as it runs through the hot attic.
Can You Replace Existing Attic Insulation?
You can replace your existing attic insulation, but you can also add more insulation to what you already have. If you just want to add some blanket batt or loose-fill insulation, just pile it on what you already have until it's a little higher than the joists.
If you want spray foam insulation, you'll probably have to have all the old insulation removed first. This ensures the foam is applied evenly to provide a better and more effective finish.
If you feel like your attic insulation is lacking, you can add more. However, it may be a good idea to consider changing your insulation to something with a higher R-value like spray foam. If you would like to know more, contact an insulation company—such as Elite Clean & Restoration—today.
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