Insulation prevents air leaks which reduces energy consumption. It also helps to keep the temperature of your home more consistent which makes it easier on heating and cooling systems.
Cellulose insulation is a good choice as it doesn’t settle and is fire resistant. Fiberglass batt insulation is another option and is relatively inexpensive, however, it is prone to moisture and can lead to mold and mildew.
1. Lower Energy Bills
A well-insulated attic and Crawl Space can reduce energy bills and make your home more comfortable. During the hot Texas summers, it keeps the sun out and your conditioned air in, which helps you save money on cooling costs. In the winter, it traps warm air inside and prevents it from escaping through your roof.
The type of insulation you choose and the R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) you need depends on where you live. You can get fiberglass batts, cellulose, loose-fill fiberglass and spray foam. A professional contractor can help you determine what R-value will be best for your home.
One thing to keep in mind is that attic insulation installation can be messy and requires some heavy lifting. Also, it’s important to avoid storing anything in the attic that could compact or compress the material and reduce its effectiveness. Finally, if you have an old layer of insulation to remove before installing new insulation, the process may take longer and cost more. It’s important to hire a contractor that knows what they’re doing and can do the job quickly and efficiently.
2. Increased Home Value
When it comes time to sell your home, a properly insulated attic is an appealing selling point. Since energy efficiency upgrades are in high demand, homeowners can expect to see a significant return on their investment when they make the switch to more efficient insulation.
In addition to lowering utility bills, attic insulation helps prevent moisture damage in the living spaces of your home. Moisture can lead to mold growth, rotting wood, and other costly structural issues that affect the value of your home. Insulation is a great way to keep moisture from getting into the ceilings, walls, and floors of your house.
To see if your attic is properly insulated, take a look up there and try to peek in between the joists. If you can see the tops of the joists, your attic is in need of more insulation. If you do add new insulation, be sure to choose the right R-Value for your home and climate zone. The higher the R-Value, the more energy savings you’ll get.
3. Better Indoor Air Quality
Attic insulation works to keep conditioned air inside your home, eliminating the need for your HVAC system to run as often. This lowers your energy bills and cuts down on the amount of carbon emissions your home produces.
Insulation traps heat from the sun in your roof, keeping it from reaching your walls and ceilings. This prevents hot temperatures from damaging shingles and causing water leaks that can damage the structural integrity of your home.
Loose-fill fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam are the most common types of attic insulation. Each has its own benefits depending on your needs. Fiberglass is a cost-effective option that can be installed easily and is available in various R-values per inch. It also offers great soundproofing.
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and has an R-value of 3.2 to 3.7 per inch. It is an eco-friendly option, but can be flammable. If you choose cellulose, it’s important to find a manufacturer that adds ammonium sulfate or borate to make the insulation fire-resistant. The wet-spray cellulose method creates lots of dust but still does an effective job at regulating your home’s temperature and reducing air movement.
4. Reduced Noise Levels
Insulation helps to block sound transmission, making your home quieter. This can be especially beneficial if your home is located near busy roads or construction sites.
Some insulation types are better at blocking sound than others. For example, high-density fiberglass batt insulation does a great job of blocking noise. However, cellulose insulation, which is blown in by contractors in chunks, does an even better job.
The type of insulation you choose depends on your needs and home. For example, rolled fiberglass batts are easier for DIYers to install than loose-fill cellulose. The latter requires special equipment and is better suited for professional installers than DIYers. It also doesn’t work well for trussed attics or those with electrical wiring, plumbing or ductwork in the attic. In addition, some loose-fill options are more flammable than other insulation products. This is another reason to work with a professional. They can help you select the right product for your home. They can also recommend other updates to your home that may further improve the effectiveness of your attic insulation and prevent energy loss.
5. Reduced Allergens
If your allergies are acting up or causing your family breathing problems, it’s time to look at the state of your attic insulation. Insulation that has been improperly installed or contaminated by rodents can make you sick.
Mold spores thrive in wet fiberglass insulation, which causes the material to deteriorate and release airborne toxins that can trigger allergies, asthma and other respiratory complications over long periods of time. Closed-cell spray foam insulation forms a tight seal that keeps moisture, dirt and allergens from entering your walls and air ducts, reducing the presence of pollutants in your home.
Pests like rats, mice and raccoons can nestle among attic insulation, spreading animal dander and droppings throughout your home. These particles are full of bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause diseases. Foam board and cellulose insulation are also great options for keeping pests out of your attic space, especially if they’re composed of recycled paper or denim.
6. Reduced Pests
Insulation keeps conditioned air inside, cutting down on drafts and helping your HVAC system work less hard. In turn, this helps reduce your energy bills.
Attic insulation also works to prevent heat from rising up through the roof, keeping the temperature in the home stable. This is especially important in areas of the house with cathedral ceilings.
Rodents love to burrow into warm, cozy places like attic insulation, where they can hide and breed. But the rodents leave behind a trail of waste that can compromise your indoor air quality. Mold and mildew are another common problem, which can lead to serious health problems.
Adding attic insulation is a relatively inexpensive way to reduce the amount of pests in your home. However, be sure to check that your existing insulation is still in good shape. If it’s not, replacing it is a simple, cost-effective home improvement project that can be done by you or a professional.
7. Reduced Dust and Dirt
Attic insulation is a hidden yet extremely beneficial component of keeping your home happy, healthy and comfortable throughout the seasons. Insulating the attic prevents heat and cold loss which keeps conditioned air in rooms where it belongs and minimizes drafts that can cause discomfort.
It also helps reduce the buildup of dust which can lead to serious respiratory problems and a host of other health issues. When properly installed, insulation creates a barrier between your attic and the rest of the house which blocks outside pollutants like pollen, mold, radon and more from entering your home.
When it comes to choosing the best attic insulation, the options are numerous. One popular option is fiberglass batts which are available in high, medium and low density. This is an economical solution that provides a decent R-value of between R-2.9 and R-3.8 per inch of thickness. Another option is cellulose which is a greener choice and provides an R-value of between R-3.2 and R-3.7 per inch. This is a great choice for older homes that require a higher R-value and is commonly used in combination with air sealing (an injectable foam that fills cracks and gaps to block air movement) in order to ensure optimal energy efficiency.
8. Increased Home Comfort
When insulation isn’t properly installed or it has been worn down, it can allow hot air to escape through your ceilings, creating uncomfortable rooms. Adding attic insulation allows conditioned air to stay where it belongs, making your home more comfortable year-round.
Fiberglass attic insulation is also highly moisture resistant, which can help prevent mold and mildew growth in your attic. This type of insulation is made from recycled materials and conserves non-renewable resources, which makes it one of the more environmentally friendly insulation options.
When the attic is insulated, your house is more energy efficient, which lowers your energy bills. It also helps your home stay at a more consistent temperature, which is especially important if you have rooms located on higher floors that are more susceptible to outside temperatures. In addition, a new layer of insulation can help block outside noises and make your home more quiet.
