Insulating Your Attic Ceiling: Benefits and Best Practices

Not insulating your attic ceiling can cause damage to the roof and attic due to trapped moisture and heat, as well as reduce the efficiency of your HVAC. Fortunately, with Owens Corning's Atti-Cat embedded insulation system, Advantage Construction can help you transform your attic into a healthy, hassle-free structure, potentially saving you up to 15% on heating and cooling costs. When it comes to insulating an attic, homeowners should opt for higher quality insulation that offers a high R value even when it is very thin. Doing so can help avoid costly repairs over time and provide a number of advantages.

Loose fill fiberglass insulation is still susceptible to convection, but not as much as older fiberglass used to be. It is especially vulnerable to water damage if the wood in the roof covering has rotted, which indicates that moisture has been present on the roof for some time and has likely penetrated the insulation. Older homes may not meet local energy codes if they lack adequate insulation materials in the attic. Leaky attics are also not ideal for storing items, as they can cause significant water damage.

To save money on insulating attics with low sloped roofs, it is possible to install very thin, high-quality insulation around the edges of the attic (and any other critical area) and install different, thicker and more cost-effective insulation in the rest of the attic. A study conducted by Oak Ridge Laboratories in 1991 showed that loose fill fiberglass insulation for attics lost much of its insulation value once temperatures dropped below 20 degrees, making it an inferior product compared to cellulose. Heat flows naturally from warmer to colder spaces, making attic insulation a must during the winter. When the attic roof touches the ground, around the edges of the attic, there is often not enough space to insulate too much.

In addition, common mistakes made by homeowners trying to install attic insulation themselves, such as blocking ventilation grilles or using inadequate installation techniques, can be very expensive to repair. Proper attic insulation can also keep the roof in better condition by helping to prevent ice build up and condensation. If you consult the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NIMA), they will assure you that fiberglass or mineral wool are undoubtedly the best option for attic insulation. Thermal insulation results in a “warm roof” or an unventilated roof between the shingles and the insulation. Insulating your attic ceiling is essential for protecting your home from damage due to trapped moisture and heat.

It also helps reduce energy costs by up to 15%. Owens Corning's Atti-Cat embedded insulation system is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for high-quality insulation with a high R value even when it is very thin. Loose fill fiberglass insulation is still subject to convection but not as much as older fiberglass used to be. It is especially vulnerable to water damage if the wood in the roof covering has rotted.

To save money on insulating attics with low sloped roofs, it is possible to install very thin, high-quality insulation around the edges of the attic and install different, thicker and more cost-effective insulation in the rest of the attic. Common mistakes made by homeowners trying to install attic insulation themselves can be very expensive to repair. NIMA recommends fiberglass or mineral wool as the best option for attic insulation. Thermal insulation results in a “warm roof” or an unventilated roof between the shingles and the insulation.

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