Making sure you have enough attic insulation is one of the top ways you can maintain an energy-efficient home. The attic is one of the most important areas where falling short of building codes and efficiency recommendations can seriously hurt your wallet.
Hot Air Rises
When you crank up the thermostat on a frosty morning, all that hot air pumping through the vents doesn’t stay in your living spaces. It rises quickly, and unless it meets a solid insulating barrier, it’s going to spill out into your cold attic and escape. Not only does this make it harder to keep your home warm and comfortable, it also costs you money.
Keep Your Energy Costs Down
It’s estimated that by adding attic insulation, you could save 10 to 50 percent on your energy bill. When you compare the cost of attic insulation to the total benefits of your overall potential savings, the project clearly pays for itself — and then some — within a short time frame.
What’s Your Target R-Value?
An R-value describes the ability of the insulating material to resist the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material’s insulating properties.
Different areas of the country have varied R-value recommendations, based on the region’s climate. In Utah, the target for maximum effectiveness for attics is R-38 to R-60.
Are You Losing Energy?
How can you tell if your attic is lacking in insulation? Talk to an energy auditor. They will assess airflow and measure how much heating (or cooling) you’re losing on a daily basis, and give you recommendations on how to resolve the issue.
You can also talk to a roofing contractor about your attic insulation and your goal of complete energy efficiency.
Look for other signs pointing to a deficiency in attic insulation as well. For instance, attics should always be cool in the winter. If they become warm on the inside, the snow melts and contributes to the formation of ice dams.
While insufficient ventilation is a contributing factor, a lack of proper insulation can contribute to this damaging issue, and your roofer can pinpoint the areas where the attic is lacking in insulation.
Making Changes
While adding attic insulation is likely a project an experienced do-it-yourselfer can take on, it’s not recommended. Attics can be dangerous areas in which to work. Also, letting a knowledgeable roofing contractor take care of it can have added benefits. They may be able to detect any additional problems, such as leaks or mold, that could be compromising your insulation’s effectiveness.
Let the Roof Doctor handle installing effective attic insulation to help you increase your home’s energy efficiency, so you can save money this winter, during the hot summer and every year going forward.