A Guide to Attic Insulation

One of the biggest effects on home energy costs is the insulation. In fact, a properly insulated home can reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills by 20 per cent. No other modification in your home will have such a drastic affect on energy. Not only that, you can help reduce your carbon footprint by making sure your home has modern insulation. It’s also important to note that older insulation can actually cause a number of health concerns, due to moisture issues and mold that affect air quality. Wall insulation has the same function as attic insulation, but there are many more options for attic insulation, including the type and the installation method. It’s important to choose carefully, as the air in the home can rapidly leave from the attic area, creating drafts and allowing an abundance of air to leave. When properly installed, attic insulation can also block hot air from entering the home in warmer regions. If you feel your HVAC system is working harder than it needs to or you are concerned about the state of the current insulation in your home, it’s important that you talk with a professional installation company.

Function

The primary purpose of insulation is to maintain the heat flow inside the home. During colder months, a home will remain warm, while when it’s hot outside, the property will stay cool. The effectiveness rating is determined by the “R-Flow”, which determines the product’s heat resistance. The better grade of “R-Flow”, the more effective the product. The goal is to reduce the amount of energy used as the majority of American homes incur over 50 per cent of their monthly home fees with cooling and heating bills. In upgrading your insulation you protect the environment from harmful emissions, while creating a more comfortable living environment.

When to Replace

There are common signs that you need to replace or upgrade your attic insulation. During warmers months, put your hand on the ceiling to feel for any heat. If it’s hot or the air around it is warmer than in other parts of the room, you may need more effective insulation. Another way to tell is by paying attention your HVAC system, like how frequently it turns on and the amount of time it runs while active. You may also want to do a physical check inside the attic to verify heat and the status of the insulation inside. Mold or moisture is a sign of ventilation issues that need to be repaired before you replace the insulation.

Examples

Where you reside in the U.S. will determine the proper type of insulation; not only that, the size of your home and the opening space in the attic creates a need for different methods, as well.

* Dense fiberglass is created for homes with large attic spaces, like those found with vaulted ceilings. The material is made from 20 to 30 per cent recycled glass that manufacturers spin into fibers. The most commonly application is loose-fill, which blows the insulation into the attic by machine.

* Mineral, slag or rock wool is man-made, including minerals like molten metal or diabase, fashioned from over 75 per cent recycled products. This dense product is available in blanket sheets or loose fill.

* Radiant Barrier is a cost-effective method for warmer climates, acting as a barrier between the sun and your home. It can even be installed on top of your current insulation for added protection.

About the Author: Thomas M. Bird is a contributing author and former contractor, who specialized in creating better energy-efficient homes on a budget. Now that he’s retired, he refers his former clients to Energy 1st Exteriors. They have the best prices, experience and customer service in the Phoenix region.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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