A Layman’s Guide to Attic Insulation

Larry Walty II • April 21, 2022

Attic insulation can improve your property’s insulation by reducing drafts and interior temperature loss. With attic insulation in place, it’s easier to keep your living space at a comfortable temperature without using too much electricity.

However, insulation has technical terms and specific aspects that only professionals might understand. Here’s a layman’s helpful guide to everything about attic insulation.

What is R-Value?

R-value is the measure of thermal resistance for a given material. It is usually represented in units of “R” and is rated from 0.1 to 1.0 or higher, depending on the material’s thermal resistance. The higher the R-value a material has, the better it performs. 

When buying insulation materials, R-values are crucial, especially if you’re living in places with extreme temperatures. Here are some high R-value attic insulation materials to know about.

High R-Value Attic Insulation Materials

Loose Fill

Loose-fill insulation is a type of insulation blown into attics and other areas of a home. Small, lightweight, fluffy fibers make up this insulation that’s designed to fill any space and provide insulation. They’re the most affordable type of insulation, but they’re also less effective than other types, including fiberglass and batt insulation.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation is an energy-efficient material made of glass strands or fibers twisted together. It’s popular because it’s affordable and versatile. Plus, it’s highly resistant to moisture, fire, electricity, mold, and insects.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is made of mostly recycled newspapers that are mixed with water and then compressed. It has similar qualities to fiberglass insulation, including being mold and mildew resistant, non-flammable, resistant to termites and vermin, and having a high R-value.

Batts

Insulation batts are insulation materials in the shape of a long flat piece that is rolled up and placed in a wall. They are typically made of fiberglass or mineral wool fibers. One advantage of insulation batts is that they can prevent drafts. Another advantage is that they can be cut to size easily.

Now that you know about materials that help insulate homes, let’s learn how the professionals install them.

Insulation Steps

  1. Take Care of Air Leaks-  Condensation, accumulated attic floor dust, dropped soffits, and leaking ducts are primary air leaks that require fixing. Make sure to have roofers address them before applying any insulation.
  2. Maintain Attic Airflow-  Air from soffits and ridge vents ensures the roof stays warm and avoids the growth of ice dams that damage the roof. Make sure to maintain attic airflow and allow roofs to use exterior temperatures.
  3. Apply Insulation From the Inside Going to the Door-  Working from the inside perimeters of the attic towards the door ensures no one steps on the insulation. This ensures a balanced and equal application of insulation layers.
  4. Trust a Reliable Roofer To Help You-  Roof repair and replacement specialists with experience in roofing insulation have the right tools and equipment to help you with your roofing needs. If you are pressed for time, you can trust an excellent roofer to finish this project in one or two weekends.

Larry Walty Roofing is a residential and commercial roof repair specialist team with in-depth experience in the roof and attic insulation services in El Dorado, KS. Give us a call at 662-488-5149 or use our  contact form  to inquire and get a free estimate.

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