When it comes to high energy bills, perhaps nothing is more troublesome than a poorly insulated attic.
Forty-five percent of a home’s wasted energy escapes through the attic.
If you live in Houston, TX, you might not be too worried about heat escaping from your attic. Winter isn’t all that bad here.
However, your attic is not a one-way street. If heat can escape, it can also enter. Our summers frequently reach triple digits. And high temperatures can cause your air conditioner to work overtime.
And your electric bill will pay its salary.
You’ll need the most effective attic insulation available to keep your home cool and comfortable.
In this article, we’ll look at the various methods of attic insulation so you can decide which is best for you.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass batt insulation has long been the industry standard. This is the cotton candy-like material on the big rolls. These rolls are designed to be installed easily and are as wide as the typical distance between joists.
Pros
Fiberglass bats are very inexpensive when compared to other insulation methods.
They are simple to install because they are cut to the standard width between joists. You don’t need tools other than a razor blade to cut it to length.
Insulation is rated by the material’s R-value.
For the price, fiberglass batts have a high R rating—typically 3.0-4.0 per inch.
Cons
The attic should have no bare space to get the best attic insulation. There may be exposed areas because fiberglass batts are typically shoved into place.
These exposed areas can occur due to the edges not being cut to the exact size required or as a result of interference from wires, pipes, or ducts.
Furthermore, fiberglass batts are typically cut to a standard size, so they will not fit homes with wider or narrower joists.
Additionally, fiberglass is an irritant. Protecting yourself while insulating is easy, but fiberglass dust can enter your home’s ventilation system and cause health issues.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
Blown-in insulation is another popular method. Small insulation particles are blown into the attic with a hose to fill any gaps where heat could enter.
This insulation is typically made of small bits of fiberglass or cellulose (made from recycled newspaper).
Pros
Blown-in insulation provides more thorough coverage than batts.
Even with full coverage, blown-in attic insulation is more effective than batts. Millions of small air pockets between the insulation particles slow heat transfer, insulating your home.
Blown-in insulation is also reasonably priced and can save up to 17% on cooling costs.
It also has a long lifespan. Our blown-in insulation can last for up to fifteen years with no maintenance.
Cons
Because blown-in insulation is loose, it may lose effectiveness at high temperatures if not covered by a fiberglass blanket.
It is not as effective per inch as fiberglass batts. Because blown-in insulation typically has an R rating of less than 3.0, you must use more. However, the savings are comparable to batts because it provides better coverage.
Furthermore, the dangers of fiberglass dust are the same as those of fiberglass batts.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a relatively new method, but it is becoming increasingly popular.
On the exposed house structure, a thin layer of foam is sprayed. The foam expands to fill small cracks and holes and provide maximum coverage. As a result, it is an excellent choice for attic insulation.
Pros
Spray foam insulation is very effective, with an R rating of 6.0 per inch.
This can cut energy consumption by up to 50%.
Spray foam insulation can improve your home’s air quality because it has no harmful dust particles that can enter your home.
The expanding foam provides complete coverage, even over wires and pipes.
Cons
Spray foam insulation is expensive, which should not come as a surprise given its effectiveness. It can cost three to four times as much as fiberglass batts. While it will surely pay itself in the long run, many people cannot afford the initial investment.
Spray foam insulation necessitates professional installation, which raises the price.
Environmental concerns have been raised about the chemicals used to make spray foam. Even though the result is safe, some chemicals used may be bad for the environment.
However, because it saves so much energy, that risk may be minor.
Radiant Barrier Foil
To protect your attic from heat, you should consider radiant barrier foil. A radiant barrier is a thin metal layer, typically aluminum, that is installed along the rafters of an attic.
When the sun shines on your roof, it absorbs energy and transfers it into your attic. Even the most efficient installation can only slow heat transfer.
That energy is reflected into the sky by radiant barrier foil. Radiant foil is capable of deflecting up to 97% of heat.
This can also help to reduce heating bills in the winter. The radiant barrier prevents heat from escaping the attic as it rises.
A radiant barrier is also simple to install. Because it does not require any special tools or equipment, installation costs are minimal. However, installation should be handled by a professional.
Why is Attic Insulation Beneficial to You and Your Houston Home?
You Can Reduce Your Monthly Bill
Throughout the year, heat enters and exits your home. It comes in during the summer and goes out during the winter. When you insulate your attic, you can reduce airflow, keep heat in when you want it, and keep it out when you don’t. In addition, attic insulation allows you to use less energy to heat and cool your home, saving you money on your monthly utility bill.
Be Comfortable in Your Home
A poorly insulated home is prone to temperature fluctuations throughout the day. It can be difficult to keep the temperature in your home at the desired level. Each day, the temperature in your house will be determined by the temperature outside. Attic insulation is a great way to ensure that your home’s temperature remains where you want it to be.
It helps Your Heating and Cooling Systems Last Longer
Insulating your attic will keep the temperatures in your home stable, reducing the need for your heating and cooling systems. This will cut down on usage and help them last longer. A new heating and/or cooling system can be costly, so investing in attic insulation to reduce system use will save you money in the long run.
Say Goodbye to Hot Attics
Just because Texas is hot doesn’t mean your attic has to be.
Proper attic insulation can significantly reduce the temperature in your attic. This keeps your entire house cool, saving you both sweat and money.
Don’t worry if you live in a house with a poorly insulated attic. Our insulation company in Houston, TX, is proud to assist our fellow Houston residents in staying cool, saving money, and using less energy.
Contact us today for a free quote!
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