An entire
set of roof products must work together for your roof to perform optimally,
including attic ventilation and insulation. With adequate attic insulation, you
can prevent the majority of your home’s warmth from escaping through the attic
in the winter and help keep you warm. This whole process can help you in keep
your houses warm and cool in their respective seasons and can help in saving
such expenses.
U.S.
Department of Energy data shows that heating and cooling together account for
50-70 percent of the energy used in the average American home, but that does
not have to mean homeowners will be saddled with outrageous energy bills. At
the same time as a new roof is being installed, you can install the right
insulation in the attic to ensure that the roof performs optimally and save 20
percent on your energy bills.
Additionally,
insulation provides many other benefits, including controlling moisture and air
infiltration, ensuring good ventilation, and conserving energy and resources.
However, many homeowners are not able to utilize this barrier to its full
potential because they are not properly insulated. The North American Insulation Manufacturers
Association estimates that 90 percent of U.S. homes are under-insulated.
For you to
avoid falling into this category, make sure you understand exactly what
insulation is, why it is important, how much insulation you need in your attic,
and what type you should use.
What does insulation do?
In winter,
heat tries to escape from a home, and in summer, it tries to get into a home, attics,
basements, and garages are the spaces where this air exchange occurs most
frequently. The primary function of insulation is to resist heat transfer by
trapping air in tiny pockets, so heat is not transferred from on into your
house through the roof and doors.
How much insulation is needed?
Several
factors can influence how much insulation is recommended for your home The
amount of insulation needed will vary based on the climate where you live, the
age of the home and how much insulation you already have.
The thermal
resistance of insulation is measured in terms of R-values, which indicate how
well it resists heat flow. Higher R-values mean better insulation.
In Zone 2,
which includes much of Florida, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends an
attic that is uninsulated with an R-30 to R-60 value. For most Florida homes,
an R-38 value is recommended –and this translates to an R-53 value.
What are the types of insulation?
Fiberglass
or cellulose loose-fill insulation (blow in) – This type of insulation begins
as large blocks of recycled paper, which are chewed up by machines into small
pieces, then sprayed into the attic. Insulation is created by covering your
attic’s floor in insulation, and ensuring that it reaches those hard-to-reach
corners and cervices.
Roll or Batt
Insulation (Fiberglass or Rockwool) – Batt insulation is often seen laid in sheets
or rolls and is more efficient per square inch than loose-fill. Nevertheless,
it may not be effective at filling minor gaps in your attic and is not ideal
for attics with few standard joists or penetrations or with too many
obstructions.
Why should I install insulation
during a re-roof?
With
insulation installed when your roof is being replaced, you will avoid
disruptions inside your house and ensure your roof is in the best possible
condition. Furthermore, you won’t need to worry about the possibility of mold
and mildew growth within the insulation.
Tadlock
Roofing has partnered with Owens Corning to offer the Owens Corning AttiCat
Expanding Blow-in Insulation System that can be quickly and easily installed in
your attic at the same time that a new roof is installed.
Find Land for sale in Mississippi on our website! We have thousands of listings available for purchase or lease.
For more information like this about your home reach out to Mississippi
real estate expert Mississippi Landsource. Landsource can help you with vetted
contractors as well as information about home improvement projects.