Stay Cozier This Winter With Better Attic Insulation

Fall is here, and before you know it, the cold winds of winter will be upon us. If you are worried that your furnace or heat pump won't keep your Denver-area home warm enough, consider adding or replacing your attic insulation. Fall is the ideal time to upgrade insulation, as temperatures and weather are mild, allowing for a quick and easy installation.

Insulation is Essential for Year-Round Comfort

Most homeowners don't think about their insulation because it's out of sight. Insulation works silently to keep warmed or cooled air inside your home. Although many people notice a lack of sound insulation more in the winter, it's just as important in the summer. Like other parts of your home, insulation can wear out. As it ages, it becomes thin and dirty, resulting in drafts or other home comfort concerns.

High-performance insulation manufactured today has much higher R-value properties than those manufactured just 10 years ago. You'll also find many types of insulation for your home, not just the pink fiberglass batting that's instantly recognizable to most people.

Signs That You Need New Insulation

Many homeowners take on home improvement projects in the fall to shore up their homes before winter. Upgrading old, improperly installed or insufficient attic insulation should be at the top of your list of all the things you can do before cold weather sets in. But how do you know you need an upgrade?

Tiny cracks and gaps in your attic can lead to significant air leaks and energy waste. Most energy waste occurs through the attic, especially in winter, with warmed air rising. Look for the following signs:

• Frequent indoor drafts
• Rising energy bills
• Inconsistent temperatures
• Moisture issues
• Infestations from rats, mice, other rodents and insects
• Insulation appears to be wet, thin and broken down

Consider a Home Energy Audit

Some of the issues with poor attic insulation can mimic other HVAC problems. If you're unsure whether attic insulation is the source, consider scheduling a home energy audit. Scheduling an audit with a certified home performance professional using infrared thermal cameras and blower door testing to measure the amount of heat and air moving in and out of your house can pinpoint where energy loss occurs. An audit will identify the weakest points so that you can move ahead with attic insulation replacement in the most appropriate locations.

5 Advantages of Attic Insulation Upgrades in the Fall

Upgrading attic insulation will yield immediate benefits for your HVAC system. However, you'll realize a bevy of additional benefits that you may not have considered.

1. Lower Energy Bills

About one-third of your Colorado home's energy costs go toward heating it in the winter. Heat loss through your attic can lead to significantly higher energy costs. Increased attic insulation slows the transfer of heat. It provides a robust thermal barrier between your living area and the outdoors, as it helps plug air gaps that allow heated air to escape. At the same point, by reducing your energy consumption, you'll also help the environment by lowering your carbon footprint.

Some homeowners may realize significant savings due to various factors. The type of heating system, home design and the size of your attic will factor into the savings. You should notice a considerable reduction in your energy bills.

2. Better Indoor Air Quality

Superior insulation affects indoor air quality by preventing outdoor pollutants like dust, dirt, mold and more from entering through air leaks. A buildup of contaminants can lead to respiratory illnesses and other health problems. New attic insulation results in a cleaner indoor environment.

3. Extends HVAC System Life

Buying new central air conditioning, a furnace, or a heat pump is a major purchase. Many homeowners do everything they can to extend the life of their HVAC system. Drafty attics put more stress on your HVAC. Units that work harder have reduced lifespans and more frequent repairs. Replacing insulation in your attic is an excellent way to reduce system stress. It's also a good idea to upgrade attic insulation if your HVAC is at the end of its usable life. By doing so, you'll get the most considerable benefits out of your new system.

4. Maintains a Safer Home

Replacing attic insulation leads to a safer home. Moisture can gradually seep into your home, eroding wood and other materials. Insulation is a vapor retardant that helps minimize moisture damage. During the winter, insulation can prevent ice dams from forming on the roof's edge, which, in turn, helps prevent wood rot and various other issues.

5. Extends Your Roof's Life

You may not be aware of the connection between your roof's condition and attic insulation. Insulating your attic helps prevent the degradation of roofing materials like the deck, underlayment and shingles. This is because the insulation limits the transfer of heat to those materials and reduces the level of wear, delaying the need for a roof replacement or repair.

Types of Attic Insulation

You can upgrade your attic with various insulation types. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. One prime consideration is the insulation's R-value. The R-value measures how well a particular substance can prevent heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will work to prevent heat transfer. The following types of insulation are commonly installed in attics.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a popular choice because it's inexpensive and effective. Blown-in fiberglass is perfect for attic floors because it can be piled high to maximize the R-value. Fiberglass batts are another option, as they can last 80 to 100 years. However, low-quality fiberglass can start degrading in as little as 15 years.

Spray Foam

Spray foam is one of the most durable, effective and reliable forms of insulation. When installed, it offers the highest R-value per inch and is easy to fit more insulation in tight spaces. It's mold-resistant and doesn't hold moisture, making it a good vapor barrier because it seals tightly to adjoining surfaces.

Cellulose

Blown-in cellulose is eco-friendly, as it's made primarily from recycled products treated to resist pests and fire. It's also more effective at blocking airflow than some other types and offers similar R-values to fiberglass when installed in thick layers. However, because it's made of recycled materials, it degrades over time. The typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years. Cellulose is often used as supplementary insulation to help prevent heat transfer.

Upgrade Your Home With Rise Renovation

Rise Renovation is a full-service exterior home remodeling company serving homeowners in Denver, CO, and surrounding communities. Our team does quality work with top materials. In addition to providing comprehensive attic insulation services, we have experts skilled in window replacements, new door installation, siding, gutters and roofing. As your one-stop shop for exterior home renovations that can make your property more energy efficient, Rise Renovation can make your home look new again and increase its value and curb appeal.

For the most comprehensive remodeling services in Denver, call Rise Renovation today for your complimentary consultation.