When your attic doesn’t have enough insulation, your home can lose heat. This causes your heating system to run more frequently, leading to higher energy bills. Not having enough attic insulation can also result in drafty areas, making your home uncomfortable. Use the following information to help you understand more about insulating your attic.
Do You Have Enough Insulation?
When figuring out your budget for attic insulation, you’ll first need to determine whether or not you have enough insulation. You can do this by measuring how thick your current insulation is. If you have fiberglass or rock wool insulation that measures less than 11 inches or cellulose insulation that measures less than eight inches, you’ll most likely need to add more. Keep in mind that homes in the San Diego area typically need attic insulation with R-values that range between R-30 and R-60.
Types of Insulation
When choosing insulation for your home, pay attention to factors such as your attic layout and local climate. Insulation for attics comes in the following types:
- Rolls and batts — This insulation, which is typically made from fiberglass or another kind of mineral fiber, can be used for attic joists.
- Loose-fill — This insulation contains loose pieces of fiberglass, cellulose or other fibers that are blown into attic areas that are difficult to reach.
- Rigid foam — This type of insulation has a higher R-value, which means it offers greater insulating properties than other materials. Rigid foam is well-suited to attic hatches and other areas, such as exterior wall sheathing.
- Foam-in place — This insulation comes in pressurized cans and can be sprayed onto attic surfaces in order to reduce air leaks.
When it comes to installing insulation, there are several safety factors to consider, such as wearing protective gear and keeping insulation far enough away from recessed lights. Having professionals handle this project helps reduce the risk of injury or damage to your home.
