The attic is a great place to store extra belongings to minimize clutter throughout the rest of the house. For some, a larger attic can even be converted into extra living space. Despite the potential usefulness of the attic, it is the one place in the home that is often neglected as far as improvements and repairs go. However, when it comes to the attic, the “out of sight, out of mind” approach might not be the best thing for your home. Read on to learn why attic insulation is an important investment that every homeowner should consider.
What does attic insulation entail?
There are two basic types of attic insulation. The first is blown-in insulation, which is the more affordable option of the two. Blown-in insulation involves spraying or blowing insulation materials – usually fiberglass or cellulose – into the area between the attic and the rest of the house. A blown-in insulation job can be completed in as little as a couple of hours when done professionally, and is the most inexpensive option as far as attic insulation is concerned.
The second type of attic insulation is rolled-in insulation, a more complex process that involves laying out insulation panels piece by piece to ensure that every inch of the attic floor is covered. While rolled-in attic insulation costs considerably more than blown-in insulation, it offers better coverage and is easier to remove and replace.
Most contractors will tell you that either form of attic insulation works, and while the rolled-in method might be superior, it also might not be worth the upfront cost. It is wise to do a cost-benefit analysis to determine if the significantly greater expense of rolled-in insulation is worth the extra energy savings over the years. If funding is an issue, then it might be wise to go with blown-in insulation, which is far better than no insulation at all.
While attic insulation can sometimes be a “do it yourself” job, most people don’t have the tools or experience necessary to get it done. Therefore, a contractor is usually brought in to install attic insulation. By using a contractor, you’ll get an experienced professional who is also familiar with local city or township codes as far as attic insulation is concerned. You’ll also get the benefit of not having to worry about safety during installation, as you won’t be involved in the process. Of course, contractors don’t work for free. But the money you spend on labor might be worth the comfort of knowing that the job is being done correctly.
Who needs attic insulation?
Anyone whose home contains an attic can benefit from attic insulation. Those with older homes should especially consider attic insulation to improve the internal climate of the home during all seasons and reduce energy bills.
Benefits of attic insulation
Attic insulation can save homeowners lots of money on energy costs by locking in heat during the winter and retaining cold air during the summer. If the attic is better equipped to retain warm and cold temperatures within the home, then the homeowner won’t have to spend as much on heating and cooling costs throughout the year. On top of this, attic insulation can result in a more comfortable indoor climate on a daily basis.
Downside of attic insulation
One major downside of attic insulation is the cost of having it installed. If money is an issue, then blown-in insulation is a lower cost option that does almost as good a job as its more expensive rolled-in counterpart.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you use the attic for anything more than storage. If your attic doubles as an office or recreation room, then attic floor insulation might not be a good option, as it will keep heat from reaching the attic during the winter and prevent cool air from getting in during the summer.
The bottom line
Attic insulation can save you money in the long run by energy bills. And by locking warmth and cold air into the rest of the house as seasonally-applicable, it can also make the home a more pleasant place in which to live. If you’ve been neglecting your attic throughout the years, then it might be time to call a contractor about this worthwhile home investment.
