In most homes, the attic is an open cavity where outside air can enter the house and indoor air can escape from living space. This exchange of air can increase energy costs if you try to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. By isolating this area, you can maintain the heat and air conditioning of your home while reducing your energy bill. Calculation of the R-value. Also make sure that your roof has underlayment which will help prevent your attic from getting wet from older shingles.
To determine if you need to increase the protective layers in your attic, evaluate the current substances in place. Consider the type of substance (fiber, wool or cellulose) and the current depth. For example, if you currently have 6 inches of loose fiber, multiply 6 by 2.5 to get a total value of R of 15. Once you have that number, set it to the area where you live to determine how much more material you need to add to your loft to be efficient from the energy point of view.
Select the correct material
To determine what material fits the needs of your home, consider the climate in which you live, the design of your home and your overall budget for the project. When you do this yourself, the material you want to install determines the difficulty of the job. For example, installing rolls is a much simpler process than installing loose fillings. Your Penhold roofing company can help you determine what will be best for your home.
Summary of materials
The attic insulation comes in rolls for easy attic insulation installation. To install these fiberglass rolls, simply unfold them to create layers. In general, it is better to install one layer between the beams and a second layer vertically above the first. Multiple layers ensure that no air enters the fiberglass.
– The loose filling may contain substances of fiberglass, cellulose or wool. This type of insulation has the advantage that it adapts to all spaces and spaces in your attic to achieve an effective seal. The installation requires a pneumatic equipment that expels the substances where you want them.
-The rigid foam is usually installed on the outer walls to protect against air infiltration. These foams are available in a variety of thicknesses and their R values are generally between R-4 and R-6.5 per inch. Pass a piece of hard foam over the attic access door to add an effective barrier.
A word about lights
It is common for the lights to be on the floor of a loft where the materials must be installed. To avoid possible fire hazards, you must install the materials correctly and keep them away from the lights. Some lights have a special design that makes them safe for contact, but other lights are not safe. Review the classification of lighting fixtures to determine how to proceed. If you do not see this label, make barriers around devices that use wire mesh to prevent the fiberglass or foam from touching them.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the insulation. Hiring a local roofing company is best, but if you do the work yourself, wear protective clothing for safety. Your efforts should increase the comfort of your home.