Attic Insulation

How It Works

Home heating and cooling takes a huge amount of energy - usually more than any other home energy consumer. Attics can get extremely hot under the blaring sun and frigidly cold with the winter breeze flowing through. These extreme temperatures will naturally flow through your home. That means you can dramatically lower your energy consumption by properly sealing and insulating your attic.

Types and Environmental Impact

Most attic insulation is either blanket (batts and rolls) or loose fill. Batts are fitted between studs, joists and beams. This method works best for stud and joist spacing that is relatively free from obstructions. Loose fill is generally cellulose, fiberglass, mineral or wool and is good for adding to existing finished areas. It is also appropriate for irregularly shaped areas and for working around obstructions. An insulation’s resistance to heat flow is measured in thermal resistance or “R-value.” The higher the value, the greater the insulating power. Properly insulating and air sealing your attic will help reduce your energy usage and decrease your carbon footprint. Attics are easy to reach (compared to the insides of your walls) and save you the most money when insulated.

Tips & Tricks

Maintenance Tips

• Sealing: Make sure the home is properly sealed to prevent airflow from your living space to an unconditioned space. Sources of airflow include attic entrance, recessed lighting, exhaust fans and plumbing vent stacks.
• Attic Access: A home’s attic entrance (hatch, pull-down stairs, or a knee-wall door) is often uninsulated; attic door insulation can greatly reduce energy costs.
• Air Ducts: Properly insulating air ducts located in unheated or uncooled spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, garages, or unfinished basements can help improve a home’s energy efficiency. Uninsulated and poorly insulated ducts in unheated or uncooled spaces can lose 10 to 30 percent of the energy used to heat and cool your home. In addition, when ducts lose heat, rooms served by long duct runs can experience “cold blow” during the winter because they usually have lower heating-supply temperatures.

Loss Prevention Tips

• Water: Check the attic ceiling for water stains or marks. They indicate roof leaks or lack of ventilation. Repairs should be made immediately to prevent damage to the house. Wet insulation is ineffective and can damage your home.
• Ventilation: Improper ventilation can lead to ice dams and trapped moisture. This can damage your home and ruin insulation. The most common mistake made by homeowners when working in their attic is blocking the flow of air at the eaves. Never cover attic soffit vents with insulation; use rafter vents and soffit vents to maintain airflow.