A Quick Guide to Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is a key roofing component for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, which can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your utility costs. If your attic needs new or better insulation, understanding how it works can help you make informed decisions. In this blog post, local roofing replacement contractor Kingdom Roofing discusses the basics of attic insulation.

Types of Attic Insulation

The insulation in the attic helps slow down thermal transfer between interior and exterior spaces. A lower thermal transfer rate means less heat loss during the cold seasons and less heat gain during the warm seasons, resulting in lower heating and cooling requirements. To get the best thermal performance from your roof, you need to choose the right kind of insulating material.

There are two popular types of insulation: fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose. Fiberglass batts are the most well-known, and are made from spun glass fibers. Installation involves cutting them to size and filling the spaces in the framing, or shredded and spread loose on an unfinished attic floor. Blown-in cellulose insulation, on the other hand, is made from recycled paper products. It can be installed dry-blown or wet, and is ideal for use in tight crevices. Other types that are generally used in other areas but may be used in the attic include expanding foam and rigid foam boards.

Adding Vs. Replacing Insulation

Using multiple types of insulation is standard practice for a roofing contractor. However, if your resources only allow for one type, your first consideration is whether you want to keep or remove the old insulation. Adding insulation can help cut down on labor costs, but there is a risk of adding too much insulation — it may trap moisture in the attic despite a fully functional ventilation system.

In comparison, replacing the attic insulation is like giving your attic a clean slate. By removing old insulation, your roofer or installer would have an opportunity to perform repairs that would not have been available if you’re adding new insulation. The increased labor and potential repair costs will, of course, drive up the cost, but it’s worth considering when you weigh it against its long-term benefits.

Kingdom Roofing has a team of experienced professionals who can help you get the  insulation that your attic needs. Learn more about what we can do for you, including roof repair services, by calling us today at (941) 217-2411. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.