Why Insulating the Attic is Essential and Important.

February 23, 2015

In North America, which is clearly a climate of temperature extremes, heating and cooling the home has become more and more expensive over the years. It's no wonder, then, that making improvements to home insulation has become so important. The fact is, enhanced insulation delivers significant cost savings throughout the year. And for industry professionals, properly insulating the attic is practically the best way to conserve energy and save money. Statistics actually confirm that notion - a properly insulated attic can save from 10 - 50% on utilities. Prior to insulating the attic, an energy audit can be quite a valuable undertaking. An in-depth audit can show how existing attic insulation is performing compared to how it could perform if upgraded. The results are often surprising for the homeowner. Just by example, it's not uncommon for seasonal savings on heating and cooling to offset the total cost of insulating the attic. Above and beyond the cost savings, there are also additional benefits to insulating the attic: improved air circulation; enriched air quality; and enhanced home comfort overall. Assessing and evaluating the condition of the attic is essential before making improvements. A good contractor will evaluate the physical state of the attic; calculate the existing R-Values; and determine a viable direction for the upgrade. As well, the contractor will check for holes, gaps and openings where heated air or cooled air can easily escape. All things considered, the homeowner should receive an in-depth, accurate, and honest report from the contractor. In addition, there should be project recommendations for both product and installation. Current industry statistics show that properly insulating the attic is the most essential aspect of making a home more energy efficient. Choosing the right attic insulation product, along with a professional installation, is bound to deliver seasonal cost savings that are substantial. A good contractor will recommend the product (or products) that best suit the job, and the best installation method for optimum outcomes. And although a DIY approach might be an option, attic insulation is best left to those with product knowledge and installation expertise. Today's professionals, for instance, are opting for a combination approach to attic insulation. They are incorporating two products into one installation: spray foam insulation and "blown-in" insulation. The spray foam product SEALS and INSULATES like no other product on the market. And the "blown-in" insulation provides additional R-VALUE where it's installed, along with excellent DOLLAR-VALUE for the project itself. The whole idea is to deliver optimum results during the short term, and significant cost savings for the long term. Having established that insulating the attic is BOTH essential AND important, it's key to do it right the first time - to evaluate the specific needs of the project - to choose products that suit the project - and to address the challenges of the job. An attic insulation project is not the place to cut down on the budget, engage in half measures, or cut corners. For best results, the special products and specialized installation are best left in the hands of a professional.