You probably already know the importance of insulating your walls and ceilings. However, did you know that insulating your Attic is just as important? As heat rises, having adequate Insulation in your attic can prevent air from escaping through the roof. If you are looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient or want to simply save on energy bills, replacing your attic insulation can make a big difference. Learn more about the benefits of attic insulation and why you should call attic insulation contractors this fall.

Keep Warm in the Winter

You spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year to heat your home. Unfortunately, if your attic is not properly insulated you lose much of this heat through the roof. This is why your upper floors may be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter than the ground floor. By replacing your attic insulation in the fall, you can help prevent warm air from escaping through the attic. This can help you maintain your utility bills and keep your home toasty warm throughout the cooler months of the year.

Stay Cool in the Summer

Keeping your home cool with your air conditioner can also be a costly endeavor. In the same way that heat escapes through your attic in the winter, conditioned air can also penetrate walls and ceilings that are not properly insulated. As the hot sun beats down on your roof, your attic can become unbearably hot. By adding insulation to the floor, you can prevent heat in your attic from coming down into your living space. Sufficient floor insulation can also prevent the cool air in your home from rising to the attic and through the roof.

Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common problem in homes with poor insulation in the attic. An ice dam may form when the surface of a roof is warmed by attic heat, causing the snow on the roof to melt. As the water from the melted snow runs to the edge of the roof, it refreezes near the gutters where the roof tends to be cooler. An ice dam prevents water from draining off the roof which can result in leaks and rotting roofing materials. A combination of proper ventilation and good insulation in the attic can prevent ice dams.

Maintain Attic Ventilation

Insulation in your attic also plays a vital role in the effectiveness of your home’s ventilation. While it is important to have a well-insulated attic, you do not want it to be completely air tight. It is important that your attic is able to “breathe” in both the summer and winter months. With a solid ventilation system, fresh air is able to enter the attic which helps the space remain cool and dry. If your attic’s ventilation system is not up to par, you risk the development of mold, mildew, and rot.

Help the Environment

Many homeowners are interested in doing their part to help the environment. If you are concerned about the amount of energy used in your home and the impact it has on the environment, you may want to consider new attic insulation. Modern installation helps to reduce energy loss while keeping your home cool and cozy. Remember that approximately 25 percent of a home’s energy is lost through the attic. Insulating the walls and ceiling of these unconditioned spaces is a simple and effective way to lower energy loss while taking environmental responsibility for your home.

Choosing the Right Insulation

Choosing the right type of insulation for your attic makes a big difference in the effectiveness of the installation. When you install the right type of insulation, you can help ensure that all cracks and gaps are sufficiently filled and are adequately preventing heat, moisture, and pests from entering your attic. One of the most common types of insulation used in homes is blown-in insulation. Available in cellulose or fiberglass, blown-in insulation creates a thick coating that covers the floor of the attic. As blown-in insulation is separated into small pieces, it is highly effective at getting in small corners and crevices. Unfortunately, blown-in insulation is not water resistant.

Another type of insulation often used in attics is batt or roll insulation. This type of insulation is typically made of fiberglass or rock wool and is seen in large blankets or rolls. Batt or roll insulation is most commonly installed along the walls of the attic to block air transfer through the walls. Due to the size of the batts, it is easy to cover large spaces with the insulation. However, similar to blown-in insulation both batt and roll insulation is water absorbent. You should also have the insulation installed by expert attic insulation contractors to prevent gaps which can waste energy.

The final type of insulation most commonly used in homes is known as spray foam. Spray foam works via a chemical reaction of two composite materials that both expand and contract. This allows the insulation to effectively seal up holes and cracks that cannot usually be reached using batt or blown-in insulation. Best of all, spray foam is water and rodent resistant which helps to keep your attic free from water damage and infestations. Spray foam has the ability to create an airtight seal and a moisture barrier which can have a significant effect on your energy costs and comfort.

Contact Attic Insulation Contractors

Fall is here which means you can expect cooler weather to soon follow. Before winter strikes, inspect your attic for signs of poor insulation. Remember that as snow and ice collect on your roof, your attic’s temperature will drop significantly which can affect the efficiency and comfort in the rest of your home. Attic insulation services are designed to protect your home against the elements while preventing costly damage from occurring. To learn more about replacing your attic insulation or to schedule a free consultation, speak to professional attic insulation contractors today.

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