Whether you’re fixing a poorly-insulated attic or insulating your attic during a roof replacement, installing insulation is an important aspect of protecting your home, increasing your home’s energy efficiency, and ensuring that you get the best out of your roof.
But why is it so important? How much insulation do you need? How much does attic insulation cost? Today, your local roofing experts are going to cover all this and more! Stay tuned for our guide to proper insulation.
Does Installing Attic Insulation Help Your Space? Yes!
Attic insulation isn’t just for show. Adding insulation to your home’s attic space (or replacing old insulation) helps in several different ways, from keeping your house cooler during summer to protecting your roof shingles.
- Shingles & Gutters Last Longer – When shingles and gutters encounter extreme temperatures, it can cause them to shift, loosen, warp, and crack. Insulation reduces the frequency and severity of temperature fluctuations (and ice dams, if you live up North) so that your shingles, gutters, and rooftop last longer.
- Lower Energy Bills – Did you know that your current insulation makes a huge difference when it comes to your energy bills? That’s right, attic insulation reduces the utility costs of your air conditioning and heating bill! Insulating your home cuts down on energy costs to heat and cool your space since the heated or conditioned air remains in the home, insulated from the outside temperatures.
- HVAC Appliance Protection – While you cut costs on your cooling and heating bills, you’re also increasing your HVAC system lifespan by making it work less to do more! Save money on your energy bill while reducing additional costs of HVAC repair and replacement.
- Better Soundproofing – While wall insulation is the best insulation type for reducing sound transmission into your home, your attic lets in sound from outside as well – something that new insulation can help reduce.
But is there such a thing as insulating an attic too much? Is more insulation better? Over-insulating your home can actually hurt your rooftop. Proper airflow is the secret to a well-insulated living space. With good airflow, you prevent your attic and shingles from getting too hot, which protects them from warping, mildew, water damage, rapid expansion, and uneven temperatures in both colder climates and hot climates.
What to Know About Attic Insulation: Costs & More
How many options are there when you need to have your home insulated? How much does it cost? What’s the desired R-value for my home? It’s time to break down the details!
Spray Foam Insulation & More Types
- Batts and Rolls – Also called blanket insulation, batt insulation is a sheet or blanket of fiberglass, natural fiber, or plastic fiber insulation that fastens to the trusses and rafters.
- Loose Fill – Also called blown-in insulation, loose fill is small pieces of fiberglass, mineral wool, or cellulose insulation that are blown into the attic space. The blown-in cellulose or fiberglass sits on the attic floor and floor joists, making it easy to fill the small spaces.
- Spray Foam – This is used in addition to existing insulation, in walls, and on the roof deck of unfinished attic spaces. Adding spray foam insulation is typically done for air sealing to reduce air leaks or to insulate oddly-shaped areas.
- Rigid Foam Panels – Structural insulated panels are a type of expensive insulation per square foot that is commonly used in commercial roofing or where you need very thin but higher R-value insulating material options.
While there are more types to consider, these are the most common options for insulation in your space. If you’re curious about more types of insulation, you can check out the list from the Department of Energy.
How Much is New Attic Insulation?
The cost of replacing insulation depends on the size of the space and the type, as well as additional potential costs (like vapor barrier installation or insulation removal). On average, it costs between $1 to $7 per square foot.
How Much Do I Need?
The R-value of insulation is its thermal resistance, meaning how much it resists the transmission of heat. It’s rated based on material, thickness, and density.
The amount of insulation you need is determined by your target R-value based on where you live and your climate. The Department of Energy recommends R30 to R49 values for most of Florida (Zone 2), except for the southern tip of the state, which is in Zone 1 (R49 to R60).
Replace Your Roof and Insulation with Pro’s Choice Roofing!
Is your home warmer in the summer? Have you noticed damp spots on your attic joists? It’s time to talk to Brevard’s roofing professionals. Call Pro’s Choice Roofing today to schedule your free estimate and inspection with our team and discover the Pro’s Choice Advantage today!
