If your home feels uncomfortable during seasonal extremes, poor attic insulation may be part of the problem. Local roofing and energy-efficient doors contractor Universal Roofing & Exteriors shares important things you should know before adding insulation to your attic.
The Energy Envelope
To understand the importance of attic insulation, you need to understand what the energy envelope is and how it works. The energy envelope is an enclosure that consists of the roof (including the attic), the exterior walls and fenestrations, which include the windows, skylights and entry doors.
A properly insulated energy envelope helps slow down thermal transfer, the cause of heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer. The combination of energy-efficient windows and insulation in the attic and exterior walls can help reduce indoor heating and cooling requirements that result in energy savings.
The Importance of Attic Insulation
The roof absorbs heat from the sun. Without attic insulation, this heat can radiate into your indoor living space and raise the temperature. Proper insulation, along with other heat-reducing features such as attic ventilation and reflective outer roofing, helps keep the attic cool. It also helps prevent heat damage to the roofing structure. During winter, attic insulation helps prevent common winter problems such as ice dams.
Important Considerations
Before you decide to add insulation to your attic, here are some things you should consider:
- Invest in Attic Floor and Roof Insulation — Attic insulation typically consists of floor insulation on unfinished attics or under the roof. In addition to doubling protection against thermal transfer, this can make attic conversion easier.
- Not All Insulation Products Are Equal — Take the time to ask your contractor about insulation options. Some have a better R-value (the measure of heat resistance) than others. Understanding the difference can help you decide which type has the best balance between cost and long-term performance.
- Roofing Issues Must Be Addressed First — You won’t benefit much from new insulation if your roof has fundamental problems such as leaks or structural issues. Your roofing contractor will have to perform repairs before new insulation can be applied.
Universal Roofing & Exteriors is your leading provider of roofing and windows installation services. Give us a call at (317) 257-0779 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Indianapolis, IN, and nearby areas.
