BIRMINGHAM Blog

Smart Attic Insulation: 3 Questions to Guide Your Decision

In today's world, where energy costs are rising daily, attic insulation is necessary. It is an excellent way to reduce your home energy bills and maintain the desired temperature inside your house throughout the year. Attic insulation helps regulate the temperature and prevents the heat from escaping in cold weather, and keeps the house cool in hot weather. However, before installing attic insulation, there are a few questions that you must answer to ensure that you get the best insulation for your house. In this article, we will discuss three questions that you must answer before installing attic insulation.

Question #1: What Type of Insulation Should You Use?

The first question you must answer before installing attic insulation is what insulation you should use. Different types of insulation are available in the market, and each type has benefits and drawbacks. The most common types of insulation are the following:

• Fiberglass insulation is one of the most popular types of insulation used in attics. It consists of intertwined small glass fibers to create a blanket-like substance. It is affordable and easy to install. However, it is ineffective in blocking air leaks and can cause skin irritation if improperly handled.
• Cellulose insulation is created using repurposed paper materials and is chemically treated to enhance its resistance to fire. It is a good option for those looking for an eco-friendly insulation option. However, it is less effective than spray foam insulation in blocking air leaks.
• Spray foam insulation is the best option for preventing air leakage. It consists of a liquid polyurethane foam that grows and solidifies when exposed to air. While spray foam insulation may be more costly than other insulation methods, its superior insulating capabilities can save you money.

Therefore, before installing attic insulation, you must consider the type best suited for your house. You can consult an insulation expert to help you choose the right insulation based on your budget, location, and other factors.

Question #2: How Much Insulation Do You Need?

The second question you must answer before installing attic insulation is how much insulation you need. The insulation required depends on your region's climate and the material's R-value. The R-value measures the insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

You must first determine the R-value recommended for your region to determine how much insulation you need. The U.S. Department of Energy has provided a map that shows the recommended R-values for different regions in the United States. Once you know the recommended R-value for your region, you can calculate the amount of insulation you need based on the area of your attic.

Question #3: Do You Need to Remove the Existing Insulation?

The third question you must answer before installing attic insulation is whether you need to remove the existing insulation. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the existing insulation before installing new insulation. This may be necessary if the existing insulation is damaged or contaminated with mold or mildew.

If the existing insulation is in good condition, you may not need to remove it. However, you must ensure that the new insulation is installed over the existing insulation and not compressed. Compressed insulation can reduce its effectiveness and lead to air leaks.

Conclusion

By answering these questions, you can ensure that you choose the right insulation for your house and that it is installed correctly. Attic insulation is an investment that can help you save money on energy bills and increase the comfort of your home. So, make sure you make the right decision before installing attic insulation.

Looking to save on energy bills and improve your home's comfort? Let Koala Insulation Birmingham help with our expert attic insulation services. Request a quote for attic insulation in Birmingham, AL, now!