NEWARK Blog

3 Benefits of Adding Insulation to Your Attic

Attics were very common in homebuilding pre-1950s, but most homes built after that lacked this convenient storage space. If your home happens to have an attic, chances are it's unfinished and uninsulated. However, adding insulation to this area has many benefits. Here’s what you should know about padding your attic walls and ceiling.

Why Should Attics Be Insulated?

1. Retain Heat

Most of your home is insulated to help keep it warm in winter and cool in summer. However, if heat transfers through an attic, the system is ineffective. Insulating the attic helps maintain the temperature of the whole house. This means less work for your HVAC system, so you use less energy on heating and cooling and save money. Also, keeping this area warm reduces the risk of frozen pipes in winter.

2. Prevent Ice Dams

When heat from an attic melts snow, the water runs to the eaves, which are colder because they aren't warmed from below. This creates the perfect conditions for that water to refreeze and build up, creating ice dams. These are problematic because they trap moisture on your roof that can seep under the shingles, causing damage. Insulating your attic prevents this from happening since the heat won't escape and melt the snow.

3. Expand Usable Space

Since most attics are uninsulated, the space is uncomfortably hot in the summer and cold in winter. However, adding insulation to an attic lets you comfortably spend time there. You could then transform the space into an extra bedroom, a hobby room, or an office.

Keep your home comfortable year-round and create extra usable square footage by adding insulation to your attic. Koala Insulation of Newark in New Castle County, DE, has over 15 years of experience in construction and the home service industry. These home efficiency consultants offer home energy audits and several insulation options, including batt, blown-in, and spray foam. This locally owned company is licensed and insured, and they offer a limited warranty on all services. Visit them online for details on their services, or call (302) 273-8476 to request a quote.