Purpose of Insulation
Attic insulation serves a variety of purposes in a home. Attic insulation reduces energy consumption, increases comfort, reduces noise, and prevents condensation and moisture issues in building cavities. The numerous choices may make insulation selection tedious. The benefits listed below gives you information to help you select the correct type of insulation for your needs:
R-value – Resistance to heat flow. A higher R-value means higher resistance and therefore conserves more energy.
Cellulose Insulation – Product made from a high percentage of recycled newspaper and cardboard.
Low-VOC – Low volatile organic compound (VOC) – VOCs are additives that outgas from building products and pollute indoor air.
Formaldehyde-Free – A product with zero or ultra-low levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogen and chemical known to pollute indoor air.
Other purposes of insulation include:
- Avoiding ice buildup and icicle formation that damages structure.
- Reduce carbon footprint with less heating and cooling.
- Eliminate mold and mildew in attic.
- Prevent premature roof deterioration and expensive replacement.
If your attic insulation is insufficient or old, contact us for a free estimateon removal and replacement. Once the job is finished, you and your family can enjoy the incredible benefits associated with powerful attic insulation.
Dangers of Insufficient Insulation
Many people think that, because they have insulation in their attic, they will enjoy the benefits forever. In reality, the type and amount of insulation in your attic is what determines how effective it is at sealing and regulating the energy in your home.
Insulation functions by trapping air in billions of tiny pockets. If these pockets become flattened or full of water and dirt, it is no longer equipped to be effective at insulating your home. Rodents enjoy shredding and destroying insulation, which also prevents proper insulation. Without proper insulation, all the benefits listed above become problems that you will ultimately address.
By replacing or restoring your attic insulation, you can equip your home with the tools needed to fight winter cold and block summer heat. Our team at SOS Attic can inspect your attic insulation and help you choose an affordable and effective solution.
Selecting an Insulation
There are different types of insulation on the market today. When selecting a type of insulation, the one common denominator that determines insulation’s effectiveness is its R-value. The term R-value stands for resistance, the insulation’s ability to resist the transfer of energy. Insulation with a high R-value is going to be the insulation that best protects your entire home.
Here are the most common types of insulation used in throughout the Northern California:
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation can be found in long rolls called batts or shredded into tiny pieces and used as blown-in insulation. This insulation is made of billions of tiny glass fibers that trap air and slow the transfer of heat. Fiberglass insulation has an R-value of 2.2 – 3.8 per inch, depending on whether it is in batt or blown-in form.
- Cellulose: Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper mixed with a fire-retardant chemical. This unique material normally comes in large blocks used to make blown-in insulation. Cellulose has an R-value of about 3.1 – 3.8 per inch and is about the same price as fiberglass insulation.
- Spray Foam Insulation: Spray foam insulation is one of the most powerful insulators on the market today. With an R-value of over 5.6 per inch, it is capable of benefiting your home in more ways that just insulating. This recently developed and impressive insulation is in high demand yet more costly.
- All the Above: Some of the best solutions for attic insulation are to combine several different kinds of insulation. Our on-site technician can discuss with you the best insulation options for your attic.