A well-insulated house and attic are essential for keeping energy costs low. According to US News & World Report, sealing air leaks, heating ducts, and insulating the attic are three of the top five home improvements that will save you money in the long run. If you need to improve your attic insulation, it's time to start planning. Typically, manufacturers recommend that attic insulation lasts at least 80 years, and sometimes up to 100 years. However, its effectiveness decreases over time, so it's recommended to replace it every 15 years to ensure optimal performance.
You should check it every two to three years and, if there are signs of moisture or pests in the insulation, consider replacing it sooner. Insulating your attic has many benefits, regardless of where you live or the time of year. The main reason is that you save money by reducing your energy bills, giving you a higher return on investment. It's also more environmentally friendly because it requires you to use less energy to heat or cool your home. The good news is that, when it comes to home improvements, insulating your attic is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to live comfortably without breaking the bank.
Usually, the insulation of your current attic can be adapted with built-in insulation or with blocks and rolls. However, if you want to use blown or sprayed foam insulation, it must be done by a certified and licensed professional when installing attic insulation. Knowing how attic insulation works won't guarantee that you're better prepared for another snow apocalypse, but it will also help you reduce comfort and energy costs during the summer. Beam-shaped ventilation grilles, which are sometimes referred to as rafter baffles, help ensure adequate airflow in the attic and, at the same time, allow the insulation to be extended to the eaves. The Department of Energy estimates that up to 30% of a home's energy costs can escape through an attic poorly insulated. The attic is particularly vulnerable to wind damage and one of the most common problems is displacement of the insulation from the house.
As most attics are easily accessible and unfinished, they are ideal for improving insulation. Improving attic insulation is not about increasing the thickness of the insulation itself, but about improving its R value. If existing insulation performs poorly, the goal of an upgrade is to improve its R value so that the space is properly insulated. You may need to upgrade your attic insulation if your energy bills are out of control and your home has very inconsistent temperatures. When working with insulation material in the attic, make sure you wear a helmet, safety goggles, gloves and long sleeves for protection.
A professional contractor will measure the existing insulation in your attic and determine how much more is needed.
