Importance of Attic Insulation

If you are in Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will reimburse up to Euro 250 for retrofitting your attic insulation (ceiling level roof insulation). It is no different in other countries in the European Union, UK, USA, and countries of the developed world. The reimbursement will Insulation removal be affected by the corresponding organizations in these countries.

Why is this?

Attic Insulation

Insulation of your building if not correctly done (or now perished) is one of the biggest contributors to your energy bills. Of this, the attic being directly in contact with the roof and the warm occupied areas is directly responsible for the heat lost from the upper building shell.

Is retrofitting difficult and costly?

Attic insulation is one of the simplest tasks a DIY enthusiast or a home handyman can tackle easily. The cost of insulation material is all you have to spend on. In the event you are not handy with DIY stuff, even semi-skilled labor (under your supervision) will be adequate and inexpensive.

The cost of material will vary vastly with the type of insulation you decide on. The location and type of improvement you have in mind will determine the type of content.

Decide the improvement needed.

The three types of insulation improvements are;

Insulating the attic anew- (Can happen if not protected at all previously or is badly perished at present )

Topping up existing insulation - (to make up the required thickness)

Plugging up places of leakage, insulating Air ducts, Water tanks, and plumbing.

Best attic insulation material

There are so many different types of insulation in the market you would find it challenging to choose one. Important things to look for in attic insulation are;

Ease of fixing

Convenience to top up existing insulation to make up the correct thickness

Good Resistance to heat leakage (i.e., having higher R-value/low "U" value)

Resistance to settling

Low water permeability

The convenience of repairing any mechanical damage to the laid insulation

Ability to cover around luminaires and vent grilles.

Resistant to vermin attack

These point out to fibrous insulation such as fiberglass quilt, rock wool, slag wool, hemp, sheep's wool, etc. Other polymer insulations like Expanded Polystyrene foam, Polyurethane, etc. can be sprayed in addition to cutting to size and fixing as bats or slabs. The polymer insulations, however, cannot be used conveniently to top up existing insulation unless it is the same type. Closed cell insulation such as Butyl, Nitrile, and other synthetic rubber in slab form too could be used.

Benefits

The following benefits can be expected with good attic insulation or ceiling level roof insulation retrofit.

Reduced energy bills

Increased comfort levels

Low capital cost

Short payback period

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions