Attic insulation may seem like just another means to keep homes warm in the winter, but in truth, it provides many other advantages year-round – like helping reduce energy bills and improving indoor air quality.
One area that often needs attention is the attic, and blow-in cellulose insulation may provide an effective solution. But does it help in the summer months?
Keeping the Cool Air in
If you’re struggling to cool upstairs rooms, especially bedrooms, missing or inadequate attic insulation may be to blame. Without sufficient attic insulation and air sealing measures in place, hot air can migrate from your attic through stack effect into living spaces causing temperature fluctuations throughout your home and leading to uncomfortable temperature swings.
If your attic insulation has an R-30 rating or above, chances are it’s made from fiberglass, mineral wool (rock wool), or cellulose insulation materials. Rock wool and cellulose insulations tend to be safer options since they don’t contain asbestos; however, both still require professional installation for optimal results.
Insulation with a high R-value helps stop heat transfer by blocking warm air from seeping into your home through attic hatches and walls, making it easier for air conditioning units to maintain an ideal indoor climate throughout the year – and saving on energy bills! When combined, insulation makes for the perfect balance.
Keeping the Hot Air Out
The heat from both natural sources such as sunlight and the other areas of your home’s heating systems rises into your attic through what is known as “The Stack Effect,” creating a natural thermal barrier and keeping hot air from infiltrating living spaces. Proper insulation of an attic can prevent this process.
Your cooling systems won’t need to work as hard to keep you at your ideal indoor temperature, saving both money and effort in both winter and summer months.
To ensure that your attic insulation works as effectively as possible, you must select an effective type of insulation. Fiberglass batts and cellulose batting are popular options; however, neither provides as much thermal resistance as foam board (which also costs more). Before adding insulation, be sure to disconnect any knob and tube wiring as adding it could pose a fire hazard and pose potential safety concerns.
Keeping the Heat in
Insulation helps stop heat from penetrating your walls, ceiling, and floors and keeps cool air within the living spaces of your home. But insulation alone won’t solve all your heating and cooling problems; for optimal results, you should combine insulation with air sealing technology and proper HVAC design for best results.
Assembling attic insulation into your home can be done using fiberglass batting, cellulose blown-in, foam board, or mineral wool insulation options. Mineral wool offers exceptional R-value and fireproof qualities while being naturally resistant to moisture and mold growth – and should also contain vermiculite insulation which contains asbestos that requires professional disposal. Proper attic insulation will save money on energy bills throughout the year while slowing heat buildup in your attic, protecting shingles and ductwork against damage, and helping prevent water ice damming during winter.
Keeping the Air Clean
As air moves through your attic and living spaces, it picks up dust particles and disperses them throughout your home. Incorporating insulation and air sealing measures into your attic helps limit how many pollutants enter.
Insulation does more than keep your home cooler during summer heatwaves – it also prevents moisture build-up in your attic and roof, which could otherwise lead to rot and other issues that could compromise its value once the time comes to sell your house.
Before upgrading your attic insulation, its current R-value must meet the recommended levels. Cellulose, rock wool, and fiberglass insulation all offer great options; vermiculite may contain asbestos; therefore it is wise to have a professional contractor dispose of this insulation properly. A one-off upgrade like this one will save money year-round while keeping your house comfortable over time.