Why do Pennsylvania attics need a minimum of R-49 insulation?

Why do Pennsylvania attics need a minimum of R-49 insulation?

Is your attic costing you money? With winter around the corner, this is the perfect time to take a closer look at your attic insulation and whether it measures up to the Pennsylvania energy code. R-49 rated insulation is what you are looking for to run your home efficiently and save money.

Why Attic Insulation Matters

Take a look at your energy bill – the average American household spends more than 50% of it on heating and cooling. Imagine you could save a chunk of that money not only in the winter but throughout the summer as well.

Attic insulation is the key to unlocking these savings, and it is something that is often overlooked by homeowners. Unless you are looking to recover a long-lost item you put into a box in storage, you may not even go into your attic for months on end. However, overlooking your attic space could be detrimental.

As we are heading into winter, most Pennsylvania homes will start to use their heating systems. Because hot air rises, it eventually reaches your attic. Insufficient insulation will then allow the hot air to escape and cold air to make its way into your home. As a consequence, your heating system has to work harder, and your bills increase. Attic insulation prevents that, saves you money, and helps protect the environment.

How To Detect Inadequate Attic Insulation

If your heating and cooling bills are above average for your area, poor insulation may be the cause. Uneven temperatures across different floors are another indicator. Are you finding it hard to keep top-floor rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Is your roof prone to developing ice dams throughout the colder months?

All of those are indicators of lacking insulation. Ice dams in particular may lead to further problems. As water backs up behind the ice without an escape route, it can start seeping into walls and cause permanent damage.

If you think some of those signs might apply to your home, but you are unsure, consider asking an expert to assess your insulation.

Finding The Right Insulation For Your Pennsylvania Home

There is no one right or wrong type of insulation for your home. Selecting the most suitable type of attic insulation depends on the space available in your attic and its accessibility. As a homeowner, you also need to consider how much insulation you need, the availability, and the cost of the material.

However, the most important characteristic is the insulation material’s R-value. R stands for (thermal) resistance and shows how efficient the material is at preventing heat flow. The higher the number, the more effectively the material insulates your attic.

The R-value is determined based on the kind of material, its density, and its thickness. With Pennsylvania weather in mind, you want to choose a type of insulation with an R-value of R-49 or higher for maximum energy efficiency and minimum energy costs.

How Different Insulation Materials Work

Ready-made blankets made from mineral fibers, available in rolls or batts, are among the most common types of insulation. If your builder used standard spacings, blankets may be fitted without cutting them. For additional insulation, you simply add a second blanket on top of the first one.

Blown-in, loose-fill insulation is perfect for unfinished attic floors or to fill the space left around an obstruction. Like insulation blankets, loose-fill is often made of fiberglass or rock wool.

Foam insulation is another excellent option for attic spaces. To achieve an R-value of R-49, closed-cell foam generally works better as it provides more insulation for a given thickness.

When To Call The Professionals

Whilst laying insulation blankets may seem straightforward, it can be a messy job if you are not experienced. Loose-fill or foam insulation is best left to the professionals to achieve the best result.

With Pennsylvania’s cold winters and comparatively warm summers, attic insulation is a great way of saving you money and increasing the value of your home. When it comes to selling, excellent energy efficiency is a selling point that can make a difference to a buyer.

R-49 or higher will ensure your home adheres to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star guidelines. To find out more about how your home can save you money this winter, get in touch with our team.