Everything You Need to Consider Before Attic Insulation

A poorly insulated attic can cost you more in your next heating bill, so why let your money go to waste when insulating your attic is not too difficult. You will significantly reduce your energy bill whether you choose to handle the work yourself or feel more at ease hiring a professional. You will also enjoy a cozier winter as more heat is trapped inside your home, leaving you with better savings on energy costs. 

There are other solutions to save money on energy costs, like turning down the temperature on the thermostat and dressing in multiple layers of clothing. Still, nothing beats the convenience of proper home insulation. 

We invite you to read about the basics of adequate attic insulation , so you can be comfortable in your home and enjoy its heating system without the high costs of a monthly heating bill. 

Before beginning any renovation project, it is essential to understand the state of your current roof structure and attic space. Assess your attic’s condition before adding insulation; this may require the help of an architect or contractor. Furthermore, if you reside in a climate with snow, ensure your roof has the structural integrity to carry the weight of fresh snow. 

In a poorly insulated roof, heat travels upwards and will warm your roof, allowing snow to melt faster. The heat is trapped and remains indoors with better insulation, leading to snow melting much slower. You want to ensure your roof’s rafters are large and robust enough to maintain the structure of your home, or else your roof could collapse under all the pressure and weight caused by heavy snowfall. 

Before adding insulation, the moisture issues that a roof leak could cause should be immediately resolved. These issues include moldy or rotten rafters and damp insulation. 

If you discover a mold problem , it is best to take care before going further with the insulation installation. Mold is a serious issue and can cost severe health issues in the long term. 

Once the assessment of your attic is complete, you want to begin sealing the surface area of any openings or holes. Doing so will help you maintain the heat you have trapped inside. 

Caulk and expanding foam filling holes are standard techniques for air sealing. Also, be aware that attics often need some ventilation, even with air sealing. 

You have several options to select from, such as blown-in attic insulation, batt, and spray foam, among others. Another detail to look out for when choosing insulation material is its R-value. The desired R-value, the available space, and the cost of the insulation should all be taken into account when selecting insulation. 

The heat resistance of the insulating material is rated using the R-value, typically per inch of the desired material. Remember, the better the insulation, the higher the R-value, so choose according to your budget and needs. 

Avoid any moisture issues by fixing roof leaks. But you should keep in mind any air leaks as well. Before insulating the remaining portions of your attic, you should plug these potential air leaks. 

All pipe vents and plumbing fixtures should have any gaps filled with expanding foam insulation. It would help if you also used caulk to cover cracks and holes in interior wall tops.

It is no secret that proper insulation in your home is one of the first steps you can take to live a greener, more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Let our team at RPM Home Services help you install insulation in your attic so that you can benefit from a cheaper heating bill this winter. 
Call us at +1-888-776-4629 or fill out our online contact form to book an appointment with one of our team members.