When it comes to insulating your roof, it's important to know how much is enough. In most of the United States, an R value of 38 is sufficient, while in temperate regions like Southern California, an R value of 30 is usually ideal. Too much insulation can cause the house to be too sealed and block the vents, preventing moisture from escaping. This can lead to mold growth and respiratory problems for those living in the home. Attic ventilation grilles are essential for allowing warm air to be expelled and replaced with cooler air from outside.
It's important to make sure these grilles are not blocked by insulation material, as this can cause condensation, moisture-related issues, wood decay, and mold. Despite the usual advice to install insulation under the roof, this can do more harm than good. A good roofer will advise against insulating the roof whenever possible and will prefer to insulate the attic floor and ventilate the attic. An attic energy company like Superior Attic can also help you achieve better results by properly installing the right insulation. Attic insulation is a science, so it's best to hire a professional attic energy company to ensure maximum energy savings and comfort. If your attic has outdated insulation, adding modern insulation could reduce your heating bills.
However, overinsulating or using the wrong type of insulation can increase costs, provide little or no benefits, and possibly create major problems. An energy auditor can confirm if you have too much insulation in your home or if it's simply a poorly insulated attic. In the United States, most attic insulation protects both from increased heat in high temperatures and from heat loss in cold climates. Considering that the reason for adding insulation to your home is to save money, spending more on insulation is unnecessary. Sealing and insulating the attic with a powerful type of insulation, such as aerosol foam, blocks outside heat and prevents moisture from entering. To avoid overinsulating your roof and wasting money on unnecessary costs, it's important to take appropriate precautions and ensure that ventilation grilles have free air circulation.
It's also best to hire a professional attic energy company to ensure maximum energy savings and comfort. After removing old insulation from the attic, the next step will be to install new insulation in the attic.
