A
well-insulated home is essential for effective climate control and energy
efficiency. According to the US Department of Energy, a well-insulated home can
save homeowners as much as 20% on their yearly heating and cooling
bills. Furthermore, a well-insulated home is more comfortable
since the internal climate is easier to control. We’ve asked the
pros at Findlay Roofing, who have over 20 years of experience in the Atlanta
market, what homeowners need to know when considering making upgrades to their
home’s insulation.
How can
homeowners tell if they need new insulation?
A quick
visual check can help you determine if your insulation needs updating. If you
can spot floor joists (the wooden beams that lay across the attic floor), you
need to add more. Insulation should hit well above the floor joists so that
they’re not visible. As an added benefit, covering floor joists will make it
less tempting to tip-toe across them and inadvertently fall through your own
ceiling.
If insulation
is piled up on one side of the attic or distributed unevenly, you’ll need to
remedy. Insulation should be evenly distributed. Not sure if it all looks
right? An attic inspection by a professional will help. It will also keep you
from spending money needlessly on expensive insulation materials.
What kind of
insulation materials do I need?
Homeowners
have a few options with regard to materials.
Findlay’s specialists have given us some details on the differences.
Fiber glass
batts or rolls
By far the
most common types are fiberglass batts or rolls. The difference between the two
is that batts are precut and rolls are not.
They come in various lengths, widths and R-values (measure of thermal
resistance). Made from fiberglass or
rock wool, they typically have paper or aluminum facing on one side. These are
designed to fit between wall studs or floor joists. The higher the R-Value, the
better. You’ll want to choose materials
that have an R-Value of around 38 or higher for the best results.
Loose fill
Loose fill is
applied with a machine that allows the user to blow the insulation through a
hose. Loose fill comes in two different forms: cellulose and fiberglass. It is
great for enclosed areas, unfinished attic floors or that little corner that is
just out of reach. R-value will depend on the thickness applied.
Spray foam
Spray foam
insulation is a liquid-based mixture that expands into foam and then hardens in
place. This form is available in four varieties: ementitious, phenolic,
polyisocyanurate and polyurethane. Spray foam is great for hard to reach areas
(especially very small cavities that air would otherwise pass through), but it
can also be used in finished areas and attics. Because it provides an air tight
seal, the R-value is typically higher than traditional forms. Additionally,
polyurethane is environmentally friendly.
Costs vary
depending on the company you use and how much you need. Spray foam can be a great option since the
R-value is so high, but it is difficult to work with and should definitely be
handled by a pro.
Don’t know
what you need?
It’s
financially smart to have a professional come out to see how you can lower your
energy bill. If you’re in Atlanta, Findlay Roofing has been repairing and
replacing roofs since 1995, and they know insulation well. They’re fully
insured for both liability and workers compensation. Their trained staff can
make an assessment and help you find the absolute best solution for your home.
