Why there is generally much focus on rooftop maintenance and repair, many property owners underestimate the value of attic insulation as an extension of extending stability and lifespan. Insulation not only promotes roofing stability but it enhances a home’s energy efficiency and reduces the likelihood of mold and rodent infestation. Adding attic insulation, in particular, will significantly benefit homeowners who want to get the most out of costly residential roofing.
How To Know If Your Attic Needs Insulation
Your attic insulation should not appear flat, aged, or collapsed. It should be capacious and fluffy. If it is flat, it no longer is effectively safeguarding your attic, and by extension, your rooftop. If you decide to add it yourself, you need to know about thermal resistance measurements. The higher the R-values, the better the attic insulation quality. There are also different materials.
Some homeowners prefer cellulose, rolls, and rock wool blankets while others prefer fiberglass or spray foam. It is essential to think about your needs before deciding on which material best meets them. It would help if you also thought about building construction, as there are lots of hidden spaces that are more challenging to reach and apply some of these insulation materials.
How To Install Attic Insulation
When insulating unfinished attics, you want to keep the rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. It allows you to save on summer cooling and also keeps the roof cool enough so that ice dams cannot form in the winter. For this reason, you want to insulate the attic floor and vents.
For finished attics, you want to install insulation on the walls, roofline-to-ground, ceiling, and floor spacing not being occupied. You want to ensure your roof can breathe because proper ventilation keeps the roof cold enough to prevent water pooling and causing severe damage.
What Benefit Does Insulation Provide?
Uninsulated homes lose a fourth of energy through the roof. A properly insulated attic can provide lots of benefits and lasts for decades. Most notably, heating and cooling systems will make your home more energy-efficient. Proper ventilation will also reduce humidity levels.
Other benefits include lower heating and cooling bills, a home value increase, and an eco-friendly footprint. Roof insulation is also a DIY type of job that homeowners can accomplish alone as long as the attic is accessible, no moisture is present, and joists are correctly spaced.
If you find that your attic structure is challenging to assess, it is advisable to hire an experienced insulation company that has the knowledge and experience to apply it appropriately and increase roof efficiency. If you have a flat roof or there is moisture, you will want to hire a professional.
DIY Insulation Tips:
- Remove clutter from the attic.
- Place pipe and water tank lagging insulation.
- Locate electrical wiring and secure it above the insulation area.
- Measure your attic and determine how much insulation to buy.
- Unroll and place the insulation between the joists.
- Add two more layers at the right angle to the bottom one (300mm is accurate)
Once you install insulation, you can have a roof inspection to check for accuracy, efficiency, and roof defense. Call us at (978) 977-3816 or visit www.facebook.com/NorthShoreRoofingMA.
