Clues to Know When You Should Replace Your Attic Insulation

It’s time! Or is it? Ever wonder how you are supposed to know when your attic insulation needs a revamp? Your home is the biggest financial investment you will make during your lifetime. You take great pride and care for your home. Naturally, you want to ensure that your home is in good, working order and serving and protecting your family. It is concerning, therefore, when you do not know what decisions to make or when or when not to act. Stop worrying. We are here to help! We know the stress home owning can cause and we are here to walk by your side to ensure that your home is up to date and maximizing its energy and safety potential.

Have you recently walked into your attic? If you haven’t, we recommend you do. Take a look. Is the attic insulation in good condition? Or is it falling, ripped, and wet? Is there loose fill insulation on the ground of the attic or is the floor unfinished? Is the bonus room above your garage too hot making you avoid it at all costs? Has your average electric bill recently increased without much cause or reason? All of these, along with many others, are clues as to whether it is time to replace your attic insulation. Attic insulation that is properly installed should last anywhere between 10-20 years. However, if there are air gaps that were not sealed or an infestation of rodents, unfortunately, it might be time to reassess. Let’s discuss a few instances that should clue you in that it is time to replace your attic insulation. Remember, give us a call if you are unsure or concerned. Our team of experts would love to help!

Things to Know When You Should Replace Attic Insulation

Water Damage

This is one of the biggest and most evident clues as too problematic insulation. If your attic insulation appears to be falling, ripped, or most importantly, dripping wet, it is no longer functional. In fact, it is a health hazard. If your insulation, specifically fiberglass insulation, is humid and wet, it is a breeding zone for mold. Mold air particles will then flow out of your attic and into your home, circulating moldy air throughout your entire home for your family to breathe. Moisture destroys attic insulation’s effectiveness. If you see any sort of water damage on the attic walls, floor, or attic insulation itself, this is a big clue that there is an issue in your attic. Once the attic insulation has water damage, insulation removal is the only cure. The attic insulation is no longer functional when wet and can become a breeding ground for mold. We’d recommend a professional to come and determine the source and get your home squared away.

Increased Average Electric Bills

Have your average electric bills been steady month-to-month but recently you’ve seen a random increase? The attic is one of the most common culprits for energy loss and inefficiency in the home. Your HVAC system works to cool and heat air in your home. A properly insulated attic serves to keep that air from exiting your home and from cold/warm air from entering. If your attic does not have attic insulation or the old insulation is no longer functional, your HVAC is having to overwork to achieve the same temperature in the home. Its overcompensation is the cause of the spiked energy bills.

If you have found a dramatic rise in average energy bills without much change in the temperature or comfort in your home, this might be a sign that your home is no longer functioning at maximum efficiency. Give us a call. We’d love to check it out and see if there is an issue.

Pest Infestation

Pest infestation in your attic is very easy to spot in an insulated attic, as the attic insulation becomes dirty upon their arrival. Squirrels, mice, and rats find comfort in the soft, light-as-air insulation and will build their nests if the attic is not properly sealed. If your attic insulation appears to be eaten, torn apart, or nested in, you will want a professional to come and remove the pests. Further, if your attic insulation appears to have urine or fecal stains on it, you will need a full insulation removal, as the fumes from these (much like mold) will enter your home and be circulated by your HVAC system. Once pests infest and make themselves comfortable, your insulation is no longer efficient or functional. This would be a time that insulation removal is imperative, the attic sealed, and the attic insulation replaced.

Bonus Room Above Garage Too Hot

Do you have a bonus room above your garage (also known as the FROG)? Do you avoid it at all costs? Quite often, a sign that your attic insulation needs replacing is when certain rooms in your home become excessively hot or cold. When the bonus room above the garage is too hot, this is a telltale sign, as its location in regard to the attic is directly correlated. If your attic is properly insulated, your home should be efficiently pumping air throughout the home. Each room should be at a constant and consistent temperature. If this is not the case, it may be time to replace your insulation.

Musty Smell or Allergy Symptoms

As we’ve discussed in the other clues, attic insulation can have a direct effect on the air quality in your home. If you recently have been experiencing random allergy symptoms or there is a damp, musty smell around your home or in your attic, there might be an issue with the attic insulation. If your attic insulation has gotten wet or if there is excessive moisture in the attic, mold growth can occur. The mold particulates will enter your home and be circulated throughout via your HVAC. Mold can have a variety of effects on individuals, including allergy symptoms, headaches, and breathing issues. It is not safe to be breathing in constant mold. If your attic has unpatched holes or cracks, this too, could be the cause. Air sealing would be highly recommended to fully seal up your attic and ensure that no air is entering or leaving the space. If your attic does have attic insulation that is moldy, insulation removal would be essential. You cannot leave moldy insulation in your home. You will be breathing it in until it is properly removed and the space cleaned. Insulation removal and replacement is the only cure. A fully sealed attic will ensure the efficiency of your HVAC system and air quality.

Drafty Rooms & Fluctuating Temperatures

In contrast to having a bonus room over the garage that is too hot, other homes will experience drafty rooms. Hot air seeks refuge in cooler air. Thus, during the summer, hot air from the outdoors will try to enter through your attic via the gaps and holes to access the air-conditioned air in your home. In the winter, the hot air that you pay to heat in your home will rise and try to exit through your attic to reach the cooler temperature outside. If you are experiencing rooms in your home (especially on the second floor) that feel drafty or never are completely warm, this might be the cause. Fluctuating temperatures are a very common sign that your attic insulation needs to be upgraded.

Call Good Home Insulation to Upgrade Your Attic Insulation

So what do we recommend you to do? If you find yourself nodding as you read each of these clues finding great similarities between your attic and a problematic attic, pick up the phone and give us a call. Our team of specialists is here to serve our community of Charlotte, NC, and provide free assessments to all clients. Good Home Insulation will thoroughly assess your attic, and any damage, and notify you if it requires work. If it does, he will discuss a plan of action that fits your desires and your needs.

If your average electric bill is steadily increasing, your bonus room over the garage is too hot, or your attic insulation is falling, wet, or torn, it might be time for insulation removal and replacement. We are here to help. Don’t hesitate. Give us a call today!

Air Sealing Cracks in My Attic

Ever wonder why your average electric bill is so high? Or perhaps why is your room so hot? Unfortunately, your attic could be the culprit. A homeowner’s average electric bill can be drastically affected by the condition of their attic space. Attic insulation offers significant benefits not only to the longevity of the home but also to the home’s air quality and average electric bill. Attic insulation provides a barrier between the outdoors and the indoors, slowing the stream of air from entering and exiting the home. However, cracks in the attic can cause even further issues. Even if your attic is insulated, cracks in the walls can still be the reason why your average electric bill is so high. These cracks allow the air that you pay to heat and cool to escape outside, making your rooms so hot and your average electric bill very high. Fear not, however! Good Home Insulation is here to help! Whether you’re in Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC, or even Rock Hill, we’re on it!

Common Signs of Cracks

So what are you to look for? Even if your attic space is insulated, your home could still be suffering from cracks. Here are some basic signs that might suggest you have leakage:

Increased average electric bills
Drafty Rooms
Always ask yourself: ‘Why Is My Room So Hot?’
Uneven temperatures between rooms
Dusty, musty air in the home

Cracks in the walls of your attic are allowing precious heated and cooled air to enter your home. Hot air seeks refuge in cold air. Thus, during the summer, hot air from the outdoors seeps through the cracks and holes to enter your home into the cooled air. In the winter, the warm air that you pay to heat will seep through these holes to escape to the cooler air outside. This causes your HVAC system to constantly be working, as the air that you’re paying to heat and cool is escaping. Your average electric bills are increasing, as your HVAC system is working harder. One of the best ways to lower your electric bill is to ensure that your attic is working with maximum efficiency.

Where to Look

Now that you’re on the hunt for cracks or holes in your attic, let’s discuss where you can find them. It helps to take a candle and light it in your attic so you can see the light flicker against the light coming through the holes. Here are the most common places for attic air leaks:

Behind and underneath knee walls
Attic hatch
Electrical Wiring
Plumbing or pipe holes
Recessed lighting
The wall feature that hides your ductwork
Chimneys and flues

Home Inspection

If after a quick search on your own, you’ve determined that there are some holes in your attic, your next step is most likely to give a professional company a call. Our team would be honored to be that contact and we provide all of our clients a free inspection. During this inspection, we will use a thermal detector to inspect your home and your attic. This will allow us to find any air leaks. It ensures that we are not solely relying on our naked eye. Once we are able to determine the problem spots and issues in your space, we will sit down with you and show pictures and explanations of all that we have found. Together, we will come up with a solution that fits your home, budget, and needs. We will find a fix that will lower your average electric bill and ensure maximum efficiency for your home.

Solution #1: Attic Insulation

The first main cause of increased average electric bills and excessively hot rooms is an unfinished attic. Attic insulation serves an incredibly important role in your home. Not only does it provide that buffered, insulating effect but it also ensures the health and safety of your home. Attic insulation slows down and helps to block the transfer of hot air outside and inside your home. Attic insulation, along with radiant barriers, are excellent additions to your home. Radiant barriers are able to reduce radiant energy emittance by 97%! That will have a huge effect on your home and will very much help to lower your electric bill. Here are just a few of the benefits of attic insulation:

The balanced temperature in every room of the home
Lower average electric bill
No drafty rooms
Healthy, non-moldy air in the home
Fire-protectant between rooms
A sound barrier between rooms
Energy efficient home
Increased value of the home

Solution #2: Air Sealing

Air sealing is the solution for cracks in your attic. Air sealing is a small, but mighty project, that will ensure that the air that you are paying to heat and cool actually remains in your home. What a novel concept! Air sealing is exactly as it sounds. Our installers seal up the cracks and gaps of your attic with a type of attic insulation called spray foam insulation. It is sprayed into the holes and will expand to fit the space, creating a permanent seal over the issue. By the time we are done, your attic will be entirely sealed, ensuring that no air is able to pass in and out of the attic space. Attic air sealing is a great feature in a home in Charlotte, NC. It will protect against humid and moist temperatures, ensuring that the air circulating in your home is mold-free and clean. Air sealing is a fantastic way to improve the health, longevity, and efficiency of your home.

Attic Air Sealing Process

In order to air seal your attic, you will need to have the following processes followed. Our team of experts will be able to walk you through the course of action and ensure that the work is done properly to secure your home.

Secure Large Gaps

First, the installers will plug the large holes or gaps in the attic walls. They will use spray foam to plug any openings that are ¼ inch to 3 inches wide. These holes most often come from plumbing pipes or vents. Once these are secured, this will have the greatest impact on the security of your home, as the air will no longer have easy access in and out of your attic. This will quickly reduce your average electric bill and help to ensure that you aren’t constantly asking “Why is my room so hot?”.

Secure Small Gaps

Once the large gaps in the attic are accounted for, our team will start looking for and sealing up the remainder of the tiny gaps. While they do not have quite an effect as the large ones do, it is important that all of the gaps are sealed off to ensure your space is 100% closed off from the elements. For these tiny gaps that are smaller than ¼ wide, caulk is the material of choice for our team. These gaps are often found around electrical boxes. We are sure to use a caulk that is fire-safe, as temperatures can be great in the attic.

Secure Any Remaining Gaps

After the main gaps are accounted for, our team will secure any other gaps that are in the attic. Wood framing is required by code in Charlotte, NC to be kept at least one inch from metal flues and two inches from any chimneys. However, these spaces allow air to enter and flow through the gaps. As such, we will cover these 1 and 2-inch gaps with aluminum flashing. The flashing will then be sealed with heat-resistant caulk.

Energy-Loss No More!

So let’s discuss the next steps. We’d highly recommend you take a quick look in your attic. Determine if you are experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve discussed above. Are you constantly asking yourself “Why is my room so hot?” or confused as to why your average electric bill is so high? These can be telltale signs that your attic is not properly insulated or sealed. Our team of experts is here to help teach you how to lower your electric bill and protect your home from the elements. Give us a call today. We’d love to help!

Can I Over-Insulate My Home?

So you’ve decided that you need to insulate your home. Great! But how much attic insulation do you need to use? Insulating your home requires a specialist who is an expert in the field, who has studied and knows exactly what your home requires. While attic insulation is standard practice for homes, each home is unique and requires a custom-fit solution. It is very difficult to over-insulate an attic if it is properly assessed. Most homes will be sufficient with solely insulating attic insulation. However, other homes may require an attic dehumidifier, as well to ensure a constant humidity temperature and prevent overheating. The r-value for insulation also plays a great role in the functionality of your attic insulation. Depending on the region of a home, a certain r-value of insulation is required by law. However, it is not a bad thing to utilize a higher r-value of insulation in certain circumstances. You have options on the types of attic insulation you wish to install, as well. Our team of experts is here to serve you and assist you make a specialized plan for your home. Give us a call today.

Why Insulate A Home?

Attic insulation is one of the most beneficial and financially wise investments you can make in your home. Immediately upon installation, attic insulation increases the value of your home, increases its efficiency, ensures the safety of your air quality, and saves you anywhere between 25-40% on your energy bills every month. A home that suffers from air leakage can lose anywhere between 25-40% of the energy expended by your HVAC to heat or cool your home. What a waste! The more a home is insulated, the greater protection it has against the elements and air seepage in and out of the home. This will ensure that you are paying to actually cool or heat your home; not simply heat or cool the outdoors. Adding attic insulation to a home comes with a plethora of benefits. A home that has one (or more) types of attic insulation will enjoy:

Energy Preservation

When air sealing is ensured and the air is forced to pass through attic insulation, it is much more difficult for hot air to enter and exit your home. As such, your HVAC does not have to work so hard to heat or cool your home, preserving energy and lowering your energy costs.

Healthy, Allergen-Free Air

The air in your attic is not limited to the attic; the air circulates throughout your entire home. As such, if your attic is humid, or has falling or damp insulation, unfortunately, you are breathing this moldy, unhealthy air, as well. An attic that is properly insulated with the right type of attic insulation of the correct r-value will ensure that the air you are breathing is clean and safe.

Humidity-Free Home

A home lacking air sealing and attic insulation, especially those in the southern states such as Charlotte, NC, will inevitably endure hot and humid summers and therefore hot and humid attic spaces. This does not mean the inside of your home needs to suffer, as well. Mold and mildew thrive in warm, humid environments, such as your attic. As such, it is imperative that you secure your space with attic insulation and the right type of attic insulation to ensure that it is protected against intruding humidity.

Air Sealing

We have discussed not only attic insulation but also another installation process called air sealing. An attic that has holes or openings to the out-of-doors is not ideal. Hot air rises and seeks to escape to cooler climates. In the summer, therefore, hot air will seep through the holes in your attic and attempt to enter your home to reach cooler air, overworking your HVAC and increasing the base temperature of your home. In the winter, the hot air you pay to blow into your home will rise and seek to escape through the attic openings into the outdoors. Year-round, you are fighting against hot air escaping or entering your home. To combat this, we would highly recommend air sealing. Combining attic insulation with air sealing is a deadly combination. Between those two, your home will be equipped to maximize your home’s efficiency and ensure it is protected against the elements. You could even add an attic dehumidifier if you have an exceptionally large space to ensure that the relative humidity of the space maintains a constant percentage under 50%. Above 50% humidity, mold can grow. As such, it is essential to ensure that this does not occur.

How Much Is Too Much?

So how much is too much? Depending on where you live, there is a specific r-value of insulation minimum that is required to ensure that your home is properly protected.

You can check out the geographic map for the r-value of insulation, should you desire! For example, an attic space built in a wood-constructed home in Southern California is located in Zone 3. Zone 3 homes are recommended an r-value of insulation between 25 and 38. Therefore, if this resident insulated their home with attic insulation of an r-value of insulation of 30, that would be optimum. However, if he decided to insulation with an r-value of insulation anywhere above 38, that would be unnecessary and excessive. Why wouldn’t he want to insulate with an r-value of insulation over 38? Let’s discuss it!

Bad Return on Investment

A Return on Investment is a means of determining the efficiency or benefit of an investment. In this context, the ROI is the relationship between the attic insulation installed (initial investment) and the lifetime energy savings. Following the Southern California example, installing attic insulation with an r-value of insulation over 38 is a bad return on investment. If you want to further increase the investment value of your home and make it, even more, energy efficient, we would recommend installing an attic dehumidifier or radiant barrier. An attic dehumidifier turns on only if the humidity levels fall beneath a safe percentage. They are very energy efficient and ensure the constant temperature of your home. Radiant barriers block heat from your roof, before your attic insulation even has to begin working. This will reduce the amount of heat that enters your home, minimizing the work of your HVAC and thus reducing your energy bills.

Limited Ventilation

One concern about adding attic insulation into attic spaces is the limited amount of ventilation the home is able to have. Attics need to be ventilated in order for air to circulate. If you have excessive amounts of r-value of insulation or types of insulation installed in your attic, you could be affecting its ability to properly ventilate. Air vents that are blocked from ventilation can lead to poor energy efficiency, mold, and humidity buildup (leading to mold growth), and excess moisture.

Proper Attic Insulation Yields More Efficient Results

While it is important to ensure that your home is properly secured with attic insulation, it is prudent to insulate only what needs to be. The importance is not so much over-insulating but ensuring that the attic insulation that is being installed is being done correctly. Our team of experts will ensure that your attic insulation is not only the right type for your home but installed with perfection. Attic insulation that is properly installed in the home will be able to block any air gaps between the attic insulation and the pre-existing walls or floors. The attic insulation will slow down the heat transfer, as it will make it more difficult for hot air to escape and enter your home. This will minimize the humidity and moisture in the space, thus ensuring that your HVAC is not overworked. An attic dehumidifier would also be an excellent addition to help maintain the relative humidity in the space. It turns on only when needed; ensuring that your energy bills remain low. There are different types of attic insulation for you to choose between to maximize efficiency and find the best fit for your space. Our specialists are here to help you analyze your home and create a custom plan. A space with properly installed attic insulation will remain dry and clean, keeping the air entering and circulating in your home safe and mold-free and your energy costs down.

So Now What?

Now that we understand the importance of a properly insulated home with the right type and r-value of attic insulation, give us a call! We will be happy to offer you a free inspection to take a close look at your home and make a plan with you on how to best fit your budget and your home’s needs. Attic insulation is an essential asset to your home and can ensure not only your home’s health but also its longevity. An attic dehumidifier is an added plus to your space. Give us a call today. We’d love to chat about types of insulation with you and allow you to pick our brains on what would be the best fit for your home!

How Do I Know If I Need New Attic Insulation?

Have you ever been in the position where you know your home has an issue but you can’t figure out why? It is such a desperate, overwhelming feeling. Fear not, we are here to help! In the world of attics, quite luckily there are a few very clear signs that your home needs attic insulation. Whether your home is suffering because it needs insulation removal or you are sitting and wondering ‘Why is my room so hot,’ there are answers. Attic insulation provides a plethora of benefits not only for the efficiency of your home, but also its longevity, protection, and air quality. Give us a call. Our team of specialists is here to help find you the custom solution.

You Peeked into Your Attic and It Ain’t Pretty.

A very simple answer with a long list of reasons. Have you recently walked into the attic of your home? If you haven’t in the past year, we’d recommend you do. While attic insulation is a long-term investment that should last anywhere between 15-20 years, unfortunately, it can suffer damage from the environment and unwanted critters, alike. If you walk in and see some of the following issues, we’d recommend having a professional come out and take a look. Homes with damaged insulation (or none at all) are at risk not only for increased energy bills, but also health issues, and varying temperatures around the home. Here are some of the things you do not want to have in your attic:

Falling, Torn, or Damaged Attic Insulation

Mildew-covered or Wet Insulation

Insulation covered in Animal Droppings/Urine

Uninsulated floor and/or wall joists

Gaps or Cracks in the Attic Walls

For many of these issues, our team would recommend insulation removal. If you have an attic with insulation that is falling, torn, or damaged by moisture or animals, it is no longer functioning. It is actually doing harm to the home. Your home is now not only at risk of energy inefficiency but also health issues. You are breathing in air that is flowing through moldy, urine-covered insulation. That isn’t ideal! Give our team a call. Our experts will be able to safely conduct insulation removal and replace it with fresh, fully-functioning attic insulation.

Your Home is Always Too Hot or Too Cold

It’s the Goldilocks complex. Your home is always too hot or too cold; never just right. This very likely is due to the fact that your attic insulation needs replacing or (re)installing. A home with temperatures that are constantly inconsistent and uncomfortable suggests that your heater and air conditioner are overworked and the air is escaping. This could easily be the answer as to why your room is so hot and why your energy bills are so high. All the air that you are paying to be conditioned is immediately escaping. Attic insulation removal and replacement on the floors and walls, along with air sealing is a fantastic remedy.

Ever-increasing Energy Bills

Are your energy bills increasing while you haven’t touched the thermostat? Unfortunately, a lack of attic insulation or damaged attic insulation could be the culprit. High energy bills are often a sign that your home is not energy efficient. The air that you are having conditioned is rising and escaping through your attic, as hot air rises and seeks refuge in cooler air. During the summer, the hot air enters through your attic and attempts to escape into the rest of your cooled home. During the summer, the hot air rises and seeks to escape through your attic into the cold outdoors. It is a constant, year-round battle to ensure that the air that you pay to condition is being efficiently circulated within your home.

Your Home Smells Musty

Has your home recently begun to have a musty smell that you can’t seem to hide? Your attic insulation could very well be the issue. Attic insulation that has come into contact with humidity or water can settle and begin to grow mold. If your attic insulation has mold or mildew, insulation removal is essential. Until replacement, the mold spores will be airborne, circulating throughout the inside of your home. These particulates will then be sucked into your HVAC system and then continue to be recirculated continually. This can cause significant health issues and concerns.

Pest Infestation

Light, pillowy, warm attic insulation makes the best little home for pests, such as mice and squirrels. These critters can cause significant damage to your attic insulation, by tearing up and borrowing it, but also leave behind droppings that can become airborne and cause great health concerns. If you find any critters or pest excrement in your attic insulation, immediate insulation removal is recommended.

Your Heater and A/C Are Constantly Running

Do you notice that your A/C is constantly running in the summer? Or have you found that your heater doesn’t turn off in the winter? A home should be energy efficient enough that once reaching a certain temperature – despite the temperature outside – can maintain a consistent number without having to run the conditioner. If your attic is not properly insulated, air will constantly be trying to escape and enter. Your HVAC will be working overtime to try to make up for the heat and air loss. This isn’t the fault of your HVAC, but rather your attic insulation.

Constantly Asking Yourself ‘Why Is My Room So Hot?’

Is there one specific room in your home that is always hotter than all of the rest? Unfortunately, this is a very common symptom of an attic needing some TLC. An attic that is not properly outfitted with attic insulation is at risk of air entering and leaving at will. Attic insulation serves as a barrier to heat and air transfer. As such, homes with attic insulation properly installed will find that every room remains at a constant temperature. Their home is efficient and buffered from any outdoor temperature, whether cool or hot.

There are Gaps and Holes in your Attic Walls

Ever notice some small holes or gaps in the walls of your attic? These should not be there. Even if you have attic insulation installed, it is not able to function to its fullest extent if hot and cold air from outdoors is able to enter and escape through these holes in the wall. They are doing you no favors. We would recommend having air sealing, whereby an installer would seal the hole with spray foam insulation. This would protect your home from outdoor conditions and ensure that any air that you are conditioning remains inside your home where it belongs.

So what’s the fix? Step 1. Take a walk and check out your attic. If the space lacks any attic insulation at all, you will definitely require some. The type, the location, and the extent of it will need to be determined by an expert to ensure that you are maximizing your home’s efficiency. If your attic has insulation but it is falling, damaged, or wet, give us a call. You are breathing in unhealthy air and health problems are imminent. You will need insulation removal and replacement promptly. If your attic insulation seems to be in good condition but you continue to ask yourself why is my room so hot, the attic still may be the issue. Improper air sealing could be the cause of why air continues to freely move in and out of your home. Whatever the source, our team of specialists is trained to find it and provide you with a custom solution. We are here for you. Give us a call today!

Attic Insulation: A Year-Round Necessity

Looking for ways how to lower your electric bill effectively? Search no further. Attic insulation is one of the best ways to maximize the efficiency of your home, increase its value, and lower your electric bill. The best attic insulation to use in your home depends on your home’s location, its layout, and your own personal preferences. However, don’t be fooled. This is a year-round necessity. Your home needs to be protected from cold air entering during the winter months and from warm, humid temperatures reflecting off the roof and entering your attic spaces in the summertime. Insulation ranges in price, depending on the required thickness of the space, its r-value, and the type chosen. Blown-in insulation costs are one of the most economical, offering the ability to blow loose-fill insulation into the attic and hard-to-reach spaces. Give us a call anytime. We’d love to come to help you and your family find the best-fit solution for your home to secure it year-round.

Attic Insulation 101

Before we dive into why attic insulation is required year-round, let’s talk basics. How exactly does attic insulation work? And how does it have a direct relationship to how to lower your electric bill? Let’s discuss this. The best attic insulation functions as a barrier between the outside air and the indoor air. It slows down the transfer of heat (whether air or sunlight) that moves in and out of your home via the attic.

In the winter, hot air rises into your attic and attempts to move outside. Heat naturally will seek to move to areas that are colder. As such, attic insulation acts as a barrier, making it more difficult for the warm air that you spent money to heat inside your home.

During the summertime, heat radiates onto your roof and conducts heat into your attic. The warm air from the outdoors attempts to enter the cooler air that is in your home. The attic insulation serves as a barrier, preventing the outdoor, warm air from entering your home.

This is why attic insulation is recommended as a year-round essential. Warm air is always seeking a cooler refuge. As such, your home is working overtime to keep the rooms warm, while the air is exiting and entering your home without any gatekeeper. The best attic insulation serves as that gatekeeper, ensuring that your home is working at maximum efficiency and lowering your electric bill.

Air Sealing

Another great addition to adding attic insulation to your home is air sealing. Attic insulation serves the purpose of stopping the conduction of heat transfer. However, it has no capability of preventing heat that is carried through the air. As such, even with the best attic insulation installed, you still may be wondering how to lower your electric bill. Air sealing is the final step to get your home working to its full potential.

Air sealing is just as it sounds. It seals the space allowing air to freely flow between the inside of your home and your attic. It ensures that warm air does not enter your home from the unconditioned attic.

Spray foam insulation is used to fill any holes that would allow air to seep through. It has the added effect of stopping air from circulating through your other insulation, making it work more efficiently and increasing its longevity.

Best Attic Insulation

Wondering what is the best attic insulation for your home? Well, it depends. There are many factors that would have to be considered before investing in insulating your home. It is a long-term solution, however, lasting between 15-20 years. Our team of experts will be able to sit with you and determine what is the best attic insulation for your space. There are three types of insulation on the market. Each is a fantastic option with certain specific benefits.

Fiberglass Insulation

Cellulose Insulation

Rockwool Insulation

Summertime!

Especially during the summer, attic insulation can have a significant impact on your home’s security, longevity, and efficiency. Here are just a few of the many benefits it offers:

A constant, cool temperature in each room of your home
Consistent energy bills
Lower air conditioning energy bills
More efficient system
Reduced energy waste
Cool top and bottom floors

Year-Long Benefits

Living in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas, you know that the summers are hot and winters get cold. This has a direct impact on the work your air conditioning must do to ensure that your home is comfortable year-round. While your heating and cooling systems have a significant effect on your home’s temperature, the home’s insulation plays a big role in your comfort, as well. Attic insulation, specifically, provides an additional layer of protection from the outside air and temperatures. Here are some of the great benefits that attic insulation offers to ensure year-round comfort:

Attic Insulation Reduces Energy Bills

Wondering how to lower your electric bill and stop spending excessive amounts of money on a home that still isn’t properly heated or cooled? The culprit may be your uninsulated attic and unsealed air vents. The attic is one of the most crucial places to protect, as the insulation and air sealing issues are exacerbated at the topmost and bottommost places of your home. Without proper sealing and attic insulation, a home in the heat of Charlotte, NC could suffer significantly from high energy bills, as your home inefficiently attempts to cool your home.

Attic Insulation Keeps Your Entire Home at a Consistent Temperature

Suffer from an excessively hot upstairs floor during the summer? This is a telltale sign that your home needs some attic insulation installed. Blown-in insulation is a fantastic option here, offering loose-fill insulation to be blown into the small crevices and buffering the heat entering your attic from also coming into your home.

Attic Insulation Assists your HVAC System

Not only does attic insulation serve a great purpose and function on its own, but it also is the wingman for your HVAC system. You can have a brand-new air conditioning system but if your attic is uninsulated, that cooled or heated air will not remain in your home for long. You’ll still be paying the high air conditioning costs while enjoying none of its benefits.

Attic Insulation Can Improve Indoor Air Quality and Sound Reduction

Attic insulation is a Renaissance man! It not only improves your home’s energy efficiency, assisting in lower energy bills but also can improve your home’s air quality. Old and mildew-filled insulation can have detrimental effects on your health, as you are breathing in dirty, musty air. Rodents and other pests who have found shelter in old insulation also could be leaving behind droppings that you are breathing in. The best attic insulation is hung, clean, and efficient, ensuring that your home is fully protected.

Attic insulation also is about to reduce sound transfer between rooms. Rockwool insulation, specifically, has this great quality, along with many other fire and mildew-resistant benefits. This serves as an additional benefit for your home and its value.

Attic Insulation Reduces Drafty Air from Entering Your Home

Find your home a little drafty even when every window is shut? Air should not be flowing through your home. If that is happening, most likely the cause is from unsealed cracks and gaps in the attic and other spaces in your home. We would recommend using spray foam insulation to seal up those gaps and ensure that all spaces, especially in your attic, are air sealed. This will ensure that cool drafts will not enter during the winter and hot, humid air stays out during the summer.

So what is the secret to how to lower your energy bill? By now you ought to know. Give us a call! We’d love to come out and take a look at your home and see where we can help make it more energy efficient and reduce your energy bills. We will find the best attic insulation for your space and ensure that the hot summer temperatures and cold, drafty winds in the winter no longer affect the temperature inside your home. We will be able to provide you with a quote for the entire project, including any and all blown-in insulation costs. Don’t wait! Reach out today!

Attic Insulation: The Basics

This is attic insulation 101, a much-needed course to provide you the basic information about attic insulation and its types. It can be overwhelming as you read various sources, each with different opinions and ideas about how to best repair your home. There are many different types of attic insulation, ranging from cellulose insulation to rockwool insulation. There are many material types they can come in, as well. Attic insulation can be installed via spray foam insulation or insulation blowing, to name a few. Here we will discuss in a succinct, ordered manner every type of attic insulation, its benefits, and its forms. Give us a call if you ever need some further assistance. Our specialists would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your home.

R-value

Before diving into the details of attic insulation, it is important to quickly discuss how insulation is measured. Insulation is measured by its thermal resistance capabilities. This is calculated as its r-value. The greater the R-value, the greater the insulating resistance it is capable of achieving. The r-value is created by a piece of insulation’s thickness and density. Different types of insulation have different R-values. Their prices and effectiveness, therefore, range in accordance with their r-value. Insulation is layered depending on a space’s required insulation levels. R-value requirements are based on a home’s location and the specific space.

Insulation Materials

The most common form of heat barrier in a home is through the form of insulation. Insulation comes in many different material forms. Each material type provides specific benefits to a home and is recommended in certain instances over others. Some of the most common materials are:

Fiberglass insulation
Rockwool insulation
Cellulose insulation

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is composed mainly of, you guessed it, glass. It is mostly comprised of recycled glass that is heated to great temperatures and then spun into fiberglass. The fiberglass insulation is most often founded in the blanket form, known as “batts.” You can also purchase fiberglass insulation as loose-fill insulation. You can purchase the batts in different thicknesses, each offering a different r-value. Fiberglass insulation is the least expensive of the three material options, however, it has the lowest R-value per square inch, thus requiring more to achieve a certain thickness level. It has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. Fiberglass insulation is very energy efficient. It can reduce your energy bill by anywhere between 40 and 50%. It is fire retardant and noise canceling, both excellent features in a home.

Rockwool Insulation

Rockwool insulation is another great option for your home. Also known as mineral wool, rockwool insulation is comprised of basalt rock and slag (recycled steel) that is heated to 2,900 degrees and then melted into a lava-type liquid. This liquid is then spun into fibers and then cut into the pieces of rockwool insulation. Rockwool insulation is mildew and mold resistant, as any organic matter that existed prior to its creation is eliminated. It can contain anywhere between 16 and 40% of recycled material and much like fiberglass insulation, is very soundproof. Rockwool insulation has an R-value of 3.0 to 3.3 per inch of insulation. Its greatest feature, however, is its heat retention abilities. It is fire-resistant up to 1,400 degrees. This is an excellent product for residential homes to be used between the inside and outside of the home, between bedrooms, and potentially even between floor levels. It is highly durable due to its core materials and is water resistant.

Cellulose Insulation

The final type of insulation material available is cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation is comprised of mainly recycled paper. It is known for its eco-friendly features, as it is made with a majority (up to 85%) of recycled materials. It is treated with non-hazardous chemicals during the treatment process to become flame, mold, and pest resistant. Cellulose insulation has a Class 1 Fire Rating, meaning that it can prevent the spread of a fire in your home and is heat resistant. Cellulose insulation has the greatest r-value with 3.5 per inch of thickness. It is one of the more expensive options due to this, however.

Insulation Types

Now that you know the installation materials available to you, you now have the option of choosing their type. Fiberglass, rockwool, and cellulose insulation can be manufactured into different consistencies or types, depending on your home and the needs of your space. Our specialists will be able to determine what the needs are of your home and can adjust your custom plan accordingly. Let’s discuss the attic insulation types. They are as follows:

Blanket Insulation: Batt & Roll
Foam Board
Loose-Fill / Blown-in Insulation
Radiant Barriers
Spray Foam Insulation

Blanket Insulation: Batt and Roll

The first type of insulation, and one of the most popular, is blanket insulation. Blanket insulation comes in the form of either batts or rolls. It is most commonly made out of fiberglass insulation. While it can also be found made out of rockwool, the majority of the time, you will purchase fiberglass batt insulation. Batts and rolls come in certain widths, able to fit between the standard spacing of walls or floor joists. R-13 and R-15 insulation come in 2x4 inch sizes and R-19 and R-21 products come in 2x6 inch sizes. Long rolls of batt insulation can be cut by hand to custom-fit your space. You can purchase batt rolls with or without facing. This facing can act almost as a vapor barrier and an added layer of insulation.

Foam Board Insulation

Another common type of material used in attic insulation is foam board. These are panels of insulation that can be used to insulate your entire home. They are rigid and thick, thus having a greater density, allowing it to have double the insulating powers of other materials of the same thickness. They are most often used in attics that are very simply structured and easily accessible.

Loose-Fill / Blown-In Insulation

Loose-fill or blown-in insulation is exactly as it sounds. It is simply material composed of fiberglass, cellulose, or rockwool that is blown into the attic with a vacuum. It is especially useful in spaces that are hard to reach, as these small particles are able to fill in tiny spaces and conform to any shape. The majority of blowing insulation is recycled materials. Cellulose insulation is composed of recycled paper. The majority of fiberglass insulation is composed of recycled glass. Rockwool is produced from slag, which is 75% recycled materials. Insulation blowing is conducted until a certain thickness and r-value are reached. Depending on the type of material chosen (ie. fiberglass, cellulose, or rockwool insulation), a certain height/level of loose-fill insulation will need to be blown. The R-value of loose-fill insulation does not change proportionally with thickness. Thus, there are specifically documented details of its coverage capabilities.

The Federal Trade Commission issued an R-value regulation entitled the “Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation.” (16 CFR Part 460) Basically, this requires that insulation manufacturers and installation companies must disclose each type of insulation’s R-value and other pertinent information (ie. thickness, square footage per package). This ensures that homeowners are protected from any duplicitous schemes.

Radiant Barriers

Another option outside of insulation is radiant barriers. Radiant barriers, unlike standard insulation, reflect heat rather than resist heat flow. Radiant barriers are an excellent addition to attics, as they assist in reducing energy bills, especially in the hot summer. Radiant barriers are comprised of an aluminum foil-type surface, helping reflect any heat in a straight line that enters the space. When sunlight hits a roof, a significant amount of this heat travels via conduction through the roof and into the attic side of the roof. Having a radiant barrier installed in your attic will reduce the radiant heat transfer into the attic.

We would recommend installing a radiant barrier in a home that is located in a hot climate. Radiant barriers can reduce energy costs anywhere between 5-10% in a warm climate.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is another well-loved method of installing insulation in homes. This insulation comes in the form of a liquid. It is sprayed or blown onto the walls using a specially designed, compressed machine. Once sprayed, it begins to expand, creating a tight, immovable barrier on the walls of the space. It is an excellent method for insulating hard-to-reach cavities.

There are two different types of spray foam insulation: closed cell and open cell. These are both commonly made from polyurethane. Closed cell spray foam is waterproof, as the cells are closed and once applied, will expand to fill the space. It has a greater R-value and is denser, causing its price to be greater, as well. Open-cell spray foam is not as dense and the cells are filled with air, giving it a more spongy texture. It is lighter and less expensive.

Easy Breakdown

Now that we’ve discussed the material options and insulation types, here’s a quick recap of everything we’ve discussed:

TYPE	MATERIAL	LOCATION	BENEFITS
Blanket: Batt & Rolls	Fiberglass insulation Rockwool insulation Plastic & natural fibers	Unfinished walls, Floors, Ceilings, Attics	Built to adhere to standard stud and joist spacing Inexpensive
Foam Board Insulation	Polystyrene polyurethane	Unfinished walls, Floors, Ceilings, Low-sloped roofs, Attics	High insulating capability
Loose-Fill / Blown-In Insulation	Cellulose insulation Fiberglass insulation Rockwool Insulation	Walls or wall cavities, Unfinished attic floors, Hard-to-reach spaces	Good for adding extra insulation to pre-insulated spaces Hard-to-reach spaces
Radiant Barriers	Foil-faced paper, plastic film, or cardboard	Unfinished walls, ceilings, attics, and floors	Built to adhere to standard spacing Prevent heat flow
Spray Foam	Polyurethane, Cementitious, Phenolic	Enclosed pre-existing wall, New wall opening, Unfinished attic	Suitable for adding insulation to pre-finished areas Hard-to-reach/irregularly shaped spaces.

There are so many different types of insulation to choose from. From rockwool insulation to cellulose insulation, your home has many different materials from which to decide between. From there, you have the options to choose between insulation blowing to spray foam insulation to protect your home and maximize its efficiency. Our team of experts would love to come and provide you with a custom solution to fit the needs of your family and your home. Every home is different and each requires specialized care to ensure its longevity and productivity. Give us a call today!

How Much Insulation Does My Attic Require?

Attic insulation is an excellent method to maximize the efficiency of your home and ensure that the heat and air are being properly spread throughout your home. The type and thickness of your attic insulation varies depending on many factors that we will discuss here. Rockwool and cellulose insulation are two of the most commonly used types of attic insulation. Foam board or insulation blowing are two different types of attic insulation installation processes and each comes with its own set of benefits. Attics require different R-values based on the location of the space and the location of the home. Certain spaces require thicker insulation for greater protection and comfort. Our team of specialists is trained to decipher which system is best for your home. Give us a call today to assist you in the process!

Attic Insulation: R-Values

Attic insulation is measured in R-value per inch of thickness. The “R” in R-value stands for resistance. It tells how strongly a piece of insulation can resist heat transfer. The greater the R-value, the stronger and more effective the insulation will be against the heat.

Almost all types of attic insulation are calculated by their R-value. It does not matter whether you are using fiberglass batt insulation or insulation blowing. They are simply different consistencies. The first is a firm, foam board texture, while the other is comprised of small, fluffy spun insulation that is blown in with a vacuum. The exception to the rule is radiant barrier insulation. Radiant barrier insulation is not measured by its R-value, as it does not block thermal heat from transferring. Rather, it reflects radiant heat.

Attic Insulation: Location! Location! Location!

Believe it or not, location has a great impact on the type of attic insulation and the R-value it requires! The location of your home here in Charlotte, NC requires R-38 attic insulation. The R-values are determined by climate, ensuring that the proper thickness will protect your home from the heat, humidity, and cold of your home’s location. Here is a map that displays the recommended values of the entire United States. Charlotte, NC is in the fourth zone. It requires a minimum of R-38 attic insulation for any uninsulated or pre-existing areas. Attic insulation on the floor requires anywhere from R-25 to R-30. Our specialists will be able to determine exactly what is best for your home. Do not hesitate to reach out!

Attic Insulation: Do I Need More?

Our team is more than happy to come out and help you determine whether you need more attic insulation. However, here are some tips to determine for yourself! If you do not have any insulation whatsoever in your attic, you definitely will want to consider having some installed. An uninsulated attic leaves your home at risk for uneven temperatures, unhealthy air, and unnecessarily high energy bills. But what if you already have some attic insulation? How will you know if you need more? Let’s discuss it!

Attic Floor Insulation

You can easily visually inspect your attic insulation. Take a look at the attic insulation on the floor. Is the attic insulation level or below the joists in your attic? If you are able to see your joists, you most likely will need more attic insulation.

Attic Walls Insulation

Take a look at the walls of your attic. Are the spaces between the beams exposed? Perhaps it might be necessary to have them covered, as well. Having attic insulation on the walls will protect against any drafts and from heat and cool air escaping and entering throughout the year. It will act as a final barrier between the outside and inside of your home.

Here are a few other signs that might suggest you need to install some attic insulation:

One room in your home is much hotter or colder than the rest
The second floor of your home is hot
Inconsistent temperatures throughout the rooms of your home
The rooms are never warm enough or cold enough
Very high energy bills

Attic Insulation Types

There are three main types of attic insulation that are used. Fiberglass, cellulose insulation, and rockwool insulation. Each of these has varying R-values and is recommended in different settings. These are able to be installed by insulation blowing, foam board, spray foam, reflective system, and batts/rolls of attic insulation. Some have benefits that would help some more than others. Our specialists will be able to create a custom solution for your home. Let’s discuss the basic properties of these types of attic insulation and what they have to offer.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is one of the most commonly used attic insulation. Composed of recycled materials, many find cellulose insulation as a great green option that doesn’t compromise function for price. Cellulose insulation is made out of recycled newspapers. It is non-toxic and very efficient. It has an R-value of about 3.5 per inch of thickness. Cellulose insulation is exceptionally good at blocking air. It is able to protect against air leakage, which is responsible for about a third of an average home’s heat loss. It is a great option for a residential home.

Rockwool Insulation

Rockwool insulation is another very popular option for attic insulation. Rockwool is able to be used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Known for its extreme heat-resistant capabilities, rockwool insulation is often used between the walls of a home. Rockwool insulation is composed of basalt rock and recycled steel. They are heated at extreme temperatures to create a lava-type liquid. The liquid is then stretched into fibers. Much like cellulose insulation, rockwool insulation comprises anywhere between 16 to 75% of recycled material. Rockwool insulation has an R-value of about 3.0 to 3.3 per inch of insulation. It is thicker than fiberglass insulation and rivals the strength of cellulose insulation. It is another great choice for your home!

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation has been on average the most popular type of attic insulation. It is naturally resistant to moisture spreading, which makes it a fantastic product to use in attics. Fiberglass insulation is comprised of, you guessed it, glass. It is heated and melted down and then mixed with other minerals. From there, the mixture is woven into strands. Fiberglass insulation is able to be formed into two shapes of attic insulation. The first is batts. This is the most common type of fiberglass insulation. It has the appearance of pink cotton candy and comes in a long roll that is rolled out and cut, which makes installation quick and efficient. The second type is loose-fill fiberglass insulation. For attics with hard-to-reach spaces, this is a great solution. Through the process of insulation blowing, small pieces of fiberglass insulation can be blown into your attic. While the least expensive of all attic insulation options, it also is the weakest in terms of thickness. It has an R-value of around 2.2 per inch, so you will need more of the product to achieve the required thickness level.

So What’s the Answer?

Just as they teach every good lawyer, it depends. While there is a lot of good information learned here, the biggest lesson of it all is that it depends on your own personal preferences, your budget, and the location of your home. Attic insulation is a long-term investment for your home and it is important you are educated in its types, thicknesses, and benefits. Rockwool insulation, cellulose insulation, and fiberglass insulation all have significant benefits and capabilities. You also have the option of installing loose-fill insulation blowing or blanket (batt) insulation. Give us a call today! Our specialists would love to help you find the best-fit solution for your home.

Does Attic Insulation Go on the Ceiling or Floor?

Ever go look at a home to purchase here in Charlotte, NC, and wonder why certain homes have attic insulation only on the floor, while others only have the entire ceiling covered? Are certain homes installed incorrectly? Attic insulation is an essential component of maximizing the efficiency of your home and reducing your average electric bill. The best attic insulation to use – both type and location – depends on the geographic location of your home and your own personal preferences, among other things. Here we will discuss the purpose of attic insulation, its function, as well the recommendations we have to set up the best attic insulation. Our specialists would be more than happy to come to your home and create a customized solution for your home. Our team of experts will be able to determine the best attic insulation system fit for your space.

Attic Insulation: How Does It Work?

Attic insulation exists to serve as a barrier between the outside air and the inside of your home. During the summer, hot air attempts to sneak into your home, while during the winter time, warm air moves outward. Insulation exists to stop that transfer; to protect the home from extreme temperature changes. However, not all insulation types are created equal. Each serves specific purposes and some are better suited for specific homes and environments. Our team of experts will be able to sit and discuss with you their recommendations as to what would be the best fit. Attic insulation provides a series of benefits including:

More efficient A/C and heater
Reduced average electricity bills
Minimize drafts
Cooler home during summer months
Warmer home during winter months
Maintain steady temperatures in every room of the home
Limit hot spots

Attic Insulation: The Floor vs. The Ceiling

Now that we understand the basic purpose that attic insulation serves in your home, let’s discuss its location. The best attic insulation for the job depends on the type of home in which it is installed. The R-value of the attic insulation varies by geographic location and space in the home. Some areas require thicker insulation, while others require less. Certain homes would benefit more from attic insulation on the floor, while others require the ceiling. Let’s discuss each of their specific benefits.

The main purpose of attic insulation on the floor is to keep the area warm and restrict how much heat is lost into the space below.

The main purpose of attic insulation in the ceiling is to keep any air that enters the attic space cooler and keep the air in the existing space warmer.

Attic Floor

Attic insulation that is installed on the floor serves to reduce the speed at which heat from inside your home escapes to your attic. If you do not use your attic, we’d recommend having attic insulation installed on the floor. It is a simple and cheap solution to ensure that your average electric bill remains low, while also not causing significant heat and cold fluctuations. You can use blown-in insulation or simply insulation boards. Typically, the floors use either fiberglass or foam board attic insulation. These will be installed either between the floor joists of the attic or over the existing floor entirely. Our experts will be able to walk you through the different materials and the benefits of each. If you wish to use the attic for storage, you can request a type of attic insulation that will allow you to lay items on top of it. Insulation boards, such as SmartPly boards, would be a fantastic option for you. Attic insulation will act as a barrier from heat from floors below entering the space. Once in the space, the attic insulation on the floor will keep the heat generated within the room, minimizing any unnecessary energy loss.

Floor insulation is best for older buildings, as it has a lower R-value and is very economical. They are typically cheaper, however, they have a lower R-value and thus require more attic insulation to achieve the desired R-value. The installation process is also generally easier than installing attic insulation on the ceiling. If the roof is flat, we’d recommend insulating the floor, as they are easier to insulate and do not require the entire surface area to be covered.

Attic Ceiling

We would recommend attic insulation be installed in the ceiling if your attic is one that is used quite frequently or will eventually be converted in the future. It will be necessary to insulate the inner surfaces of the pitched roof. To ensure the longevity of your insulation, it may be necessary to install an inner roof lining to prevent any water, snow, or dust from entering the space. These can destroy insulation, as moisture is not a friend of attic insulation. Our specialists will be able to determine whether this would be a necessary step for you and if so, the proper sizing and thickness of the attic insulation.

Attic insulation in the ceiling will slow any heat entering the room and maintain a stable temperature in the attic. However, if you choose to only insulate the ceiling, you will still have heat escaping into the attic. Radiant barriers are an excellent addition to your attic insulation, maximizing its functioning potential. Radiant barriers reflect and reduce radiant energy emittance by ninety-seven percent!

Ceiling insulation is more often installed in new buildings, as it has a higher R-value and is, therefore, able to control the temperature more consistently. They are generally more expensive, as the R-value is greater, however, they offer a more successful solution to maintain a constant temperature in the space. If the roof is sloped, we’d recommend insulating the ceiling, as roofs are more difficult to insulate and this method will ensure the home is best protected and working at maximum efficiency.

So Which Should I Insulate?

Now that you understand the benefits of attic insulation on the floors and ceilings, what should you do? Insulate one and not the other? And if so, which? We would highly recommend installing attic insulation in both your attic walls and floors. This will maximize the efficiency of your space, reducing your average electric bills immediately, and ensuring that the air in your home is safe and mildew-free. The best setup we’d recommend is to install insulation on the attic floor and install radiant barriers on the ceiling.

Radiant barriers are a special, reflective material that together with the attic insulation on the floor, will provide you with the greatest control of temperature of not only your attic but your entire home. The radiant barriers are installed in between the wall joists and rafters in the attic. They act as a barricade against energy emittance, significantly reducing the transfer of heat and cold air throughout your walls. This would be a very great step in minimizing your average electric bills, ensuring safety and longevity, and maintaining a constant temperature in your home.

The great benefit of installing attic insulation on the floors and ceilings is ensuring that the heat that is generated on the floors of your home does not escape and get wasted through the attic into other rooms of your home. In the summer, this will also ensure that the attic is a buffer between the roof emanating very hot heat waves and the other rooms in your home. This is a two-way street, and together, the attic and ceiling insulation is the best attic insulation solution we can offer.

So What’s the Plan?

Now that you have some more information in regard to attic insulation on the floors and ceiling of your space, you will be able to make an informed decision about the best attic insulation for your home. Our experts would be more than happy to walk you through the options available and discuss the best location for your space. We’re here to help ensure the longevity and efficiency of your home. This type of work is a long-term investment, lasting upwards of 25 years. You will see benefits immediately, as your average electric bill will drop significantly and quickly after the attic insulation is installed. Ceiling and floor attic insulation are excellent additions to your home to ensure that the air circulating your home is safe and efficient. Give us a call today to help!

Why Use Blown-In Cellulose Insulation?

If you find yourself here, most likely you are searching for some more in-depth information about blown-in insulation. Welcome! We’re here to help! There are many different types of insulation you can use to secure your home from the extreme elements of the seasons, while also finding the custom fit for your particular space and needs. Blown-in cellulose insulation is the most commonly used insulation in residential homes. Its affordability, eco-friendly materials, and sound and mold-proof capabilities are just some of the many reasons that it is so widely used. Blown-in insulation, whichever type you do choose, comes with certain costs. Blown-in insulation costs depend on the size of the space, insulation type, and thickness required based on your geographic location. Our specialists are skilled in deciphering what is best for each home and would love to help you do the same for your home. Remember, though, before you have any insulation installed in your home, insulation removal will be necessary, should it be wet, moldy, or falling apart. Well-maintained insulation should last anywhere between 10-20 years depending on the type and upkeep. You are not merely installing a temporary fix on your home. Rather, installing blown-in insulation is an investment for your home’s longevity and your peace of mind.

But what type of insulation is right for your home? While our specialists will be more than happy to discuss with you all the different types, R-values, and capabilities, we encourage you to investigate yourself, as well. Here, we’re going to discuss blown-in cellulose insulation. Blown-in cellulose insulation is a very popular type of insulation used in residential homes and its benefits are great. Let’s dive in!

Blown-In Cellulose Insulation: What is It?

Blown-in cellulose insulation consists of recycled newspapers or other cardboard products. It is thick and dense, due to the nature of the material, and is bulky and clumpy like mattress feathers. This texture is specifically beneficial to fit in enclosed spaces and can be blown in tight spaces and around objects. Its ability to fit into walls and around ducts and wires is essential when installing in the walls and attics of homes. As blown-in cellulose insulation is made of recycled paper, it is very eco-friendly and an option that you can feel good about using in your home.

How to Blow Insulation into the Home

There are two different types of cellulose insulation. The most popular type installed in the home is loose-fill cellulose insulation. It is a dry form. The other is blown onto the walls, very much like spray foam. This type of insulation is wet and when sprayed onto the wall, it sticks.

In homes where the walls are finished, installers will drill into the wall to fit the blower nozzle inside. Cellulose insulation is blown into the attics parallel between the joists. It can be installed between the joists that have no insulation whatsoever or layered on top of the pre-existing batt fiberglass insulation.

The process for installing dry loose-fill cellulose insulation is as follows:

An insulation blower is packed with bales of loose-fill cellulose insulation. Inside the blower are rotating teeth of that hopper that fluff up the cellulose insulation.
The cellulose insulation is blown into the space through long tubes via an application nozzle attached to the blower.
Once installed, the cellulose is left to settle on its own. It is not packed in nor is any pressure applied. It simply is blown to fit in between the cavities of the space and left to settle.
The holes created to blow in the insulation are then patched and painted over.

Advantages of Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

Blown-in cellulose insulation has some very specific properties that provide certain benefits in comparison to the other types offered:

Loose-fill cellulose insulation can be blown in hard-to-reach places and move around wires and cables in attics and tight-fitting wall spaces.
Blown-in cellulose insulation has an R-value of 3.5 per inch. Compared to fiberglass insulation, which has an R-value of 2.2-2.7 per inch. Blown-in cellulose insulation is a more affordable option, as it covers a thicker space with the same amount of product.
Blown-in cellulose insulation can be installed even in homes with walls that are already finished. As explained previously, a hole can be cut into the wall and the insulation can be blown in. A more invasive alternative is also to pull down the drywall and then install fiberglass batt insulation. This, obviously, is a more time-consuming and expensive option.
Blown-in cellulose insulation is treated with borates during its creation process. Borate helps fight off insects and other vermin.

Things to Note About Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

While there are many advantages to blown-in cellulose insulation, it is important to note a few setbacks that might affect your decision.

Blown-in cellulose insulation has the excellent feature of being able to settle in on its own. It doesn’t need to be packed down or have pressure applied. However, within walls, this can potentially become problematic, as over time, the insulation can settle and form pockets. These pockets can morph into “thermal bridges,” allowing heat or cold to be transported into the home. However, in attics, this issue is not as concerning or frequent. This is because even if settling does occur, attics can be overfilled with blown-in cellulose insulation to compensate. Further, once blown-in cellulose insulation settles in the attic, no pockets can form.
In enclosed areas, the cellulose insulation will suck up any moisture that remains. However, this can cause a problem, as the moisture can take some time to dry out. Remaining moisture can have a significant impact on the R-value of the insulation. If not properly cared for, this can lead to mold and mildew growth. Rigid insulation boards or even sprayed-in foam insulation resists moisture much better.

Think Green!

One of the added benefits of cellulose insulation is the fact that it is considered a green product. However, there are some that question the legitimacy of this, as while the majority of cellulose insulation is green, a small percentage is chemically treated.

Blown-in cellulose insulation is made up of 85% of recycled paper and cardboard materials. However, the remaining 15% is chemically treated, including the borate treatment, which helps fight off insects and vermin.

Fiberglass insulation is also eco-conscious, with many companies using recycled materials to melt down and spin into fiberglass. Owens-Corning, one of the largest insulation manufacturers, reports that they use between 53-73% of recycled materials to create their fiberglass insulation.

Is It Fire Safe?

This is a great question, as obviously, we do not want the walls of our homes to be surrounded by flammable materials. While blown-in cellulose insulation is comprised of recycled paper and cardboard materials (ie. flammable), during the chemical treatment process, the insulation is treated with borates. Borates are a Class I fire retardant.

To demonstrate its fire retardant capabilities, a penny was placed on a bed of cellulose insulation in a person’s hand. Using a blowtorch, the testers heated the penny until it became warped. During this heating process, the cellulose insulation remained intact and undisturbed. Moreso, the person holding the cellulose felt no heat whatsoever. Isn’t that wild?

Blown-In Cellulose Insulation: Is It Right for You?

Blown-in insulation is one of the many types of insulating material that you can use to secure your home. But is it right for you? Our specialists would be more than happy to come to take a look and create a custom-fit solution for your space. Blown-in insulation cost depends on many different factors, such as the size of your space, insulation type and materials used, and your geographic location. Insulation removal might be necessary first, however, should your current home have any falling, moldy, or wet insulation. Once that is removed and taken care of, we can begin installing new, sturdy materials. Luckily with our experts to help, we will have your home fixed up in no time, providing a long-term solution to protect your home and drastically reduce your energy bills. Give us a call today!

Blown-In Insulation Cost

Insulation is a very important feature in your home. As a means of protection against the outside air and mildew, as well as ensuring your energy bills remain at a normal level, having your home properly insulated is key. There are many different types of insulation available to you. One of the most popular types is blown-in insulation. Blown-in insulation is very affordable and unlike other types of insulation, is able to be installed in hard-to-reach places. Our Specialists are trained to determine the best, custom fit for your home. We’d love to assist you in your education process. Here we will discuss in further detail all about blown-in insulation, its capabilities, usages, and materials.

Blown-In Insulation: Cost

Blown-in insulation is used to maintain a constant temperature in your home’s spaces, most often the attic and rooms above the garage. Your wallet will thank you, as your home will remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter without excessive costs. The cost of blown-in insulation varies substantially. This is due specifically to the location of the insulation and the square footage of the space. Insulating attic space is cheaper than an exterior wall, while smaller spaces obviously will cost less than larger spaces. Blown-in insulation projects can range anywhere from $750 upwards of $5000 depending on the factors discussed previously.

Blown-In Insulation: What is it?

Blown-in insulation is a loose-leaf, fluffy form of insulation. It is installed using a blower machine and through a large hose is blown into an open space. Due to its small loose-fill size, it can be blown into tight spaces and areas that are hard to reach. Blown-in insulation can be made out of three different types of materials: fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, or rockwool insulation.

R-Value: What is it?

Each type of insulation is measured by its R-value. What is this? An R-value simply represents the heat resistance capabilities of the insulation. Insulation with higher R-values will be able to withstand greater temperatures. Our Specialists will help you determine the required R-value for your home based off of your location.

Types of Blown-In Insulation

There are three main types of insulation. Each comes with its own benefits and capabilities. Our specialists will be able to sit down and discuss with you the best fit for your home. Depending on your home’s geographical location, the size of the space, and your specific desires for its function, certain types of insulation would be more beneficial than others. The three main types of insulation are blown-in insulation, cellulose insulation, and rock wool insulation. Depending on where you live, certain R-values are required for your insulation. Again, our specialists are experts in this and will be able to ensure your home is up to code and protected. These are the recommended R-values based on your geographical location.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation comes in loose-fill and batt forms. It is incredibly light and fluffy. It is composed of glass that is heated to an incredible temperature, turning it into a liquid. This liquid is then spun into very fine fibers to form the fiberglass pieces. Fiberglass insulation can be installed either as loose-fill tiny pieces or batt pieces. Loose-fill is blown into the attic space using a special vacuum. It offers an R 2.5 thermal value per inch. To achieve a basic R-19 batt value, you’d need to install 7.5 inches of fiberglass blown-in insulation

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly option, as it is made of recycled cardboard and newspaper. As it is composed of paper, it is specially treated to be able to resist mold and mildew, as well as fire. It is the most commonly used insulation on the market. It is important to note that if the cellulose insulation becomes soggy, it will no longer be fluffy, losing its R-value. Cellulose insulation has a greater R thermal value than fiberglass. It has an R-3.7 thermal value. To achieve R-19 insulation value, you’d need about 5 inches of cellulose insulation.

Rockwool Insulation

Rockwool insulation also referred to as “mineral wool,” is composed of blast furnace slag. Slag is a byproduct of iron and iron ore. It is heated to an extremely high temperature and then spun into insulation. It has the texture of raw sheep’s wool. Just slightly lower than cellulose insulation, rockwool insulation has an R-value of 3.3 per inch. Rockwool insulation is specifically known for its fire resistance capabilities. It is often used in spaces that require strict adherence to fire codes, such as a bonus room above the garage and the wall connecting a house and its garage.

Blown-In Insulation Location

Believe it or not, the location of space has a direct effect on the price of the project. Building codes require certain R-values for certain spaces in the home. The insulation price therefore will be affected, as spaces requiring higher R-values demand the use of more insulation. An average wall requires an R-value of R-13 to R-23. However, attics vary from requiring R-30 to R-60. So be aware that if you are needing your attic space filled, it will be a more costly endeavor.

Sealing the Space

In addition to adding insulation into space to maximize efficiency and energy performance, another important project is to air seal your home. Open gaps between an attic and a living space can permit air drafts to enter, making the space very cold in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. To prevent this unwanted air from entering, we offer air sealing. We will seal these spaces to ensure no outside air can leak in, helping reduce your energy bills and maximize the efficiency of your home.

Mold Remediation

Homes that are not properly insulated are at risk for a lot of issues, including mold growth. High humidity in a space is a dangerous game, not only for your energy bills but also for the health and safety of your home. Any water leaks or damage can also have a huge effect on your home. Mold thrives in warm, humid, wet environments. Therefore it is essential to protect your home from these conditions. If your home suffers from mold in the walls or attic, prior to installing new insulation, it is imperative that you have the mold treated and/or removed. Our team will be able to identify and treat the specific type of mold in your home and rid of the infestation. Moreso, we will be able to protect your home going forward from any new growth.

Benefits of Blown-In Insulation

Installing blown-in insulation in your home will provide many important benefits to your home’s safety, longevity, and efficiency. A home properly insulated will minimize excessive heat and cold during the seasons, decrease energy costs, protect the home from structural damage, and increase its overall value.

Reduced Energy Bills

This is one of the greatest benefits of a home properly outfitted with insulation: reduced energy bills. When an attic or wall space is insulated correctly, the A/C and heaters do not have to work as often or as much to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. You will experience an immediate reduction in your energy bills upon installing blown-in insulation.

Fireproof

Another great feature of insulating your home is the peace of mind you will have knowing that your home is properly safeguarded against the spread of fire. Having blown-in insulation installed in your attic space will slow the spread of a fire, should it occur. This would provide you and your family additional time to escape your home. Air sealing is another great feature in this endeavor, as it will provide yet another protection against fire retardation.

Soundproof

In addition to the benefits discussed above, blown-in insulation has the added benefit of providing a sound barrier between the walls of your home. The greater the R-value installed in the spaces, the greater the soundproofing benefits you will experience.

Moisture Reduction

As discussed previously, an attic space that is not properly sealed is at risk for mold, mildew, and hot air growth and entrance. If hot air is sneaking into your home, when it comes in contact with a cold surface, condensation forms. Think of grabbing a cold beer out of the fridge on a hot summer day. This is the same thing your attic experiences. This condensation can cause great damage to the space, destroying the wood and providing a perfect space for mold to grow. Insulation, both on the floor and inside the walls themselves, serves as a great barrier to this occurring.

Increased Home Value

By installing these additional securities and protections in your home, naturally, your home will also increase in value. Your home is undergoing renovation to ensure its longstanding protection and efficiency. This is a great selling point, should you choose to sell your home in the future. Buyers love to know that their home is energy efficient, fire protected and sealed off from the outdoors.

Things to Know When You Should Replace Attic Insulation

Water Damage

Increased Average Electric Bills

Pest Infestation

Bonus Room Above Garage Too Hot

Musty Smell or Allergy Symptoms

Drafty Rooms & Fluctuating Temperatures

Call Good Home Insulation to Upgrade Your Attic Insulation

Common Signs of Cracks

Where to Look

Home Inspection

Solution #1: Attic Insulation

Solution #2: Air Sealing

Attic Air Sealing Process

Secure Large Gaps

Secure Small Gaps

Secure Any Remaining Gaps

Energy-Loss No More!

Why Insulate A Home?

Energy Preservation

Healthy, Allergen-Free Air

Humidity-Free Home

Air Sealing

How Much Is Too Much?

Bad Return on Investment

Limited Ventilation

Proper Attic Insulation Yields More Efficient Results

So Now What?

You Peeked into Your Attic and It Ain’t Pretty.

Your Home is Always Too Hot or Too Cold

Ever-increasing Energy Bills

Your Home Smells Musty

Pest Infestation

Your Heater and A/C Are Constantly Running

Constantly Asking Yourself ‘Why Is My Room So Hot?’

There are Gaps and Holes in your Attic Walls

Attic Insulation 101

Air Sealing

Best Attic Insulation

Summertime!

Year-Long Benefits

Attic Insulation Reduces Energy Bills

Attic Insulation Keeps Your Entire Home at a Consistent Temperature

Attic Insulation Assists your HVAC System

Attic Insulation Can Improve Indoor Air Quality and Sound Reduction

Attic Insulation Reduces Drafty Air from Entering Your Home

R-value

Insulation Materials

Fiberglass Insulation

Rockwool Insulation

Cellulose Insulation

Insulation Types

Blanket Insulation: Batt and Roll

Foam Board Insulation

Loose-Fill / Blown-In Insulation

Radiant Barriers

Spray Foam Insulation

Easy Breakdown

Attic Insulation: R-Values

Attic Insulation: Location! Location! Location!

Attic Insulation: Do I Need More?

Attic Floor Insulation

Attic Walls Insulation

Attic Insulation Types

Cellulose Insulation

Rockwool Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation

So What’s the Answer?

Attic Insulation: How Does It Work?

Attic Insulation: The Floor vs. The Ceiling

Attic Floor

Attic Ceiling

So Which Should I Insulate?

So What’s the Plan?

Blown-In Cellulose Insulation: What is It?

How to Blow Insulation into the Home

Advantages of Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

Things to Note About Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

Think Green!

Is It Fire Safe?