Do you notice that your attic is getting hot? This is because it does not have the best attic insulation.
Did you know that a poorly insulated attic can raise your space’s indoor temperature by as much as 25°F in the summer? Based on information from the U.S. Department of Energy, bad insulation afflicts nearly 90% of homes across the U.S. each year.
If your attic feels like a sauna, blown-in insulation and experienced insulation contractors can solve your attic issues.
In this blog, let’s find out how to control damage that will protect your home.
Why Attic Overheating Is A Bigger Problem Than You Think
Your attic is not just an unused space—it is an important element of your home’s energy health. When a roof space overheats, it creates more than discomfort.
Here are common dilemmas created by overheating:
- High energy costs in the summer
- The constant need to run the air conditioning
- The upper rooms of your house remain hot
- Roof damage caused by trapped heat
- The buildup of humidity and, therefore, mold
Your home will be inefficient, costly, and uncomfortable as long as you don’t have the best attic insulation.
How Insulation Functions to Control Heat
Insulation has a straightforward function: to trap air where you want it and restrict heat where you don’t.
Insulation reduces the conductance of heat between the outside and the inside and acts as a barrier that keeps conditioned air indoors and air outdoors.
A professional attic insulation company will check your R-value whenever they insulate your attic or advise on improvements. The R-value is a measure of effectiveness for insulation—the higher the R-value, the more control you’ll have over the temperature.
How Insulation Contractors Add Value
Did you know insulation contractors also put insulation into context? Rather than performing a basic installation, they provide customized solutions that consider the structure of your home, geography, climate zone, and existing conditions:
They Assess:
- Your existing insulation level
- Indications of air leaks or moisture
- Proper ventilation routes
- Applicable materials for your intended purpose
They follow building codes and install insulation safely and efficiently, so you get the best of both worlds: performance and peace of mind.
Which Insulation Type Should You Choose?
Choosing the right material is the key. Different types of insulation have different strengths.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Type | Material | Benefits | Estimated Cost (Sq. Ft.) |
| Blown-in Cellulose | Recycled paper | Eco-friendly, dense, good air sealing | $1 – $1.50 |
| Blown-in Fiberglass | Spun glass fibers | Non-flammable, moisture-resistant, easy to install | $0.90 – $1.20 |
| Batt/Roll Fiberglass | Pre-cut sheets | Affordable, quick, DIY-friendly option | $0.65 – $1 |
| Spray Foam | Polyurethane | Great air sealing, high R-value, air barrier | $1.75 – $3 |
Pro tip: If your attic has lots of corners, ducts, or wiring, attic blown-in insulation is often the easiest and most effective choice.
Why Attic Blown-In Insulation Is a Homeowner Favorite
When you’re looking for a way to insulate your attic or improve insulation, the best all-around option is attic blown-in insulation. That’s why it’s popular for new builds and upgrades.
Here are a few reasons homeowners love blown-in insulation:
- Quick installation(2-4 hour timeframe)
- No mess or prep to worry about before or after
- It fills all those small and odd shapes and cracks
- It’s perfect for adding to older insulation to top up the level
- You can get either cellulose or fiberglass insulation
There’s no doubt, if you are replacing attic insulation, blown-in insulation is one of the quickest ways to save on energy costs.
When to Replace Your Attic Insulation
Attic insulation does not last forever. Old or damaged insulation could be hindering your energy efficiency more than helping it.
Signs you need to replace attic insulation are:
- Your energy bill is continuously climbing
- Your attic has a musty odor
- You see mold or mildew
- Pests or rodents have made nests
- Insulation looks damp, dusty, or crumbly
For many homes, insulation lasts between 15 and 30 years; however, moisture, pests, or a very poor installation can shorten that time period.
How Long Does It Take To Replace Insulation?
One advantage of modern insulation is that insulation contractors can quickly install it.
For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic:
- Remove old insulation: 2-4 hours
- Install new blown-in insulation: 3-5 hours
- Clean-up and final inspection: 1 hour
That’s it. With the help of a trustworthy attic insulation company, you can complete a home insulation upgrade on the same day.
What Should You Anticipate from an Insulation Company?
The best insulation contractors utilize a trusted procedure from start to finish:
Step-by-step:
- Free inspection and/or energy audit
- Determine R-value and make recommendations
- Written quote with pricing and timeframe
- Removal of your old insulation (if required)
- Installation using safe, modern equipment
- Final inspection for airflow and insulation
Good contractors will also assist with paperwork for rebates and/or federal energy credits.
Home Types Most in Need of Insulation
While every home can benefit from better insulation, some homes are more in need:
- Houses that are older (built before 1980)
- Two-storey houses that have hot upper floors
- Homes that are in extreme summer or winter climates
- Homes that have damage history in the roof
- Homes with solar panels or recently added HVAC systems
In these situations, putting in the best attic insulation is like giving your home a brand new energy shield.
Get Ready for Your Attic Insulation
Living with a hot attic and electric bills through the roof? You can improve your attic with professional-grade attic blown-in insulation and some of the best insulation contractors in the industry in just one day. Say goodbye to sweating upstairs and high bills. Just comfort, savings, and peace of mind.
At My Insulation Guy, our insulation experts have made it easy, fast, and affordable. We are your source for quality work and excellent service as an attic insulation company. Visit our website or contact us now and book your free home energy audit today.
FAQs
- How much attic insulation will I require?
This varies according to your location; most homes need R-38 to R-60. An insulation professional can help you find the right insulation capacity.
- How can I tell if my attic insulation is outdated?
If your insulation is damp, ripped, or compacted, your time is up! Also, if the rooms are particularly hot, the insulation is probably bad.
- Is blown-in attic insulation better than fiberglass batts?
Yes, in most attic applications. Attic blown-in insulation provides a more complete fill of floor spaces and is easier to install uniformly.
- How long does it take to install attic insulation?
The standard attic upgrade takes approximately 5 to 8 hours total for a team of trained employees.
- Can I use fiberglass insulation for an attic upgrade?
Yes. Insulation fiberglass is the most common material used in insulation projects, and it works great in many climates across the United States.