Attic Insulation Tips with an Arlington Roofer
Studies show that about 85% of a home’s heat loss is literally straight up through the attic area. Houses built before the energy crisis in the early seventies may only have a small bit of fiberglass insulation and empty spaces between the support beams. “Either way, the house is presumably wasting energy and the homeowners wasting their money”, says an Arlington Roofing Contractor.
The amount of insulation that a material has is going to bemeasured by what’s called an R-value. The greater the number of the R-value, the more efficient the insulation is. Houses built prior to the seventies most likely have an R-value of 11 or even less, but today’s measures call for R-values as great as 38 or more, depending on the homes geographic location.
Some houses may still have gray material put between the ceiling joists. If it’s an older home, this could be a type of mineral wool. Newer homes are expected to have blown-in cellulose insulation. Either way, it can be left alone and insulation can be added over it.
Arlington Roofing Repair experts know that when handling insulation you should always wear gloves, eye protection, and a good dust mask, notably when using fiberglass.
In some aspects, rigid foam insulation is a bit easier to work with, but fiberglass insulation is normally easier to get up into the attic. Have no fear if the fiberglass batt insulation at the hardware store looks to be too thin as it will expand.
To cut a batt to the size you want, lay it on a flat piece of plywood. Next, put a short piece of 2×4 at the location where you want to make your cut, put your foot on top ofthe 2×4 and lean over on it to push down the fiberglass. “After it’s compressed, it’s much easier to cut with a box cutter or utility knife”, according to an ArlingtonRoofing Service.
If you currently have 6″ of insulation and you’d like to get to the recommended R-38, you can add what’s called an “attic blanket”. It too is made out of fiberglass, but there is no paper backing on it. For installation, simply lay it over the joists. Continue adding layers until you achieve an R-38 rating.
Look out for the new and innovative no-itch poly-wrap insulation. You will be glad you did as it is much easier to manage and it’s safer, making it deserving ofthe extra cost.
If adding new insulation is too advanced of a DIY project for you don’t hesitate to hire an Arlington roofing company to install it for you. Call us today at (866) 887-7663.