Attic Insulation 101
The basics of attic insulation
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Attic Insulation 101
Some of the biggest air leaks in your home can often be traced to the attic, resulting in sky-high energy bills and a house that’s too warm in summer, and too cold in winter. However, the good news is that the attic is one of the easier rooms to insulate and air seal, leading to improved home comfort, lower energy bills and a better overall energy performance.How Much Insulation Do I Need?
Insulation is measured in R-values. the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends ranges of R-values based on local heating and cooling costs and climate conditions in different areas of the nation. The map and chart below show the DOE recommendations for how insulation in Georgia works. State and local codes in some parts of the country may require lower R-values than the DOE recommendations, which are based on cost effectiveness.
| Zone | Add Insulation to Attic | Floor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsulated Attic | Existing 3–4 Inches of Insulation | ||
| 1 | R30 to R49 | R25 to R30 | R13 |
| 2 | R30 to R60 | R25 to R38 | R13 to R19 |
| 3 | R30 to R60 | R25 to R38 | R19 to R25 |
| 4 | R38 to R60 | R38 | R25 to R30 |
| 5 to 8 | R49 to R60 | R38 to R49 | R25 to R30 |
|
Wall Insulation: Whenever exterior siding is removed on an Uninsulated wood-frame wall:
Insulated wood-frame wall:
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Types of Insulation
Although insulation can be made from a variety of materials, it usually comes in three types; each type has different characteristics.
Rolls and Batts or Blanket Insulation
are flexible products made from mineral fibers, such as fiberglass and rock wool. They are available in widths suited to standard spacings of wall studs and attic or floor joists: 2×4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2×6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.
Loose-fill insulation
usually made of fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose-comes in shreds, granules, or nodules. These small particles should be blown into spaces using special pneumatic equipment. The blown-in material conforms readily to building cavities and attics. Therefore, loose-fill insulation is well suited for places where it is difficult to install other types of insulation.
Spray Foam Insulation
very effective in buildings with space limitations and where higher R-values are needed. Foam insulation R-values range from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch of thickness (2.54 cm), which is up to 2 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness.
These types of insulation are not all created equal! Understanding the differences in insulation type is an important component of the comfort of your home and safety. For instance, what happens if there is a fire in your home? Learn more about differences in spray foam insulation and blown-in insulation.
Aladdin Insulation and Home Improvements exclusively offers blown-in fiberglass insulation. We believe this is the healthiest, safest and most effective product on the market.
Air Sealing
Many residential homes have “drafts,” or what BPI Certified Professionals call air leaks, which usually don’t come from your doors and windows, but instead are unnoticed holes in an attic, basement, crawlspace, and walls. Air Sealing and Attic insulation needs must be determined by locatiing leaks. To find these air leaks properly, you need to have the right tools and equipment for the job. A main tool to use is a blower door kit, which includes a frame, shroud, fan, manometer, hoses, pressure pan, and a smoke pencil. These items, and the experience it takes to use them properly, can’t be found at your local hardware store.
Most people think they already have enough insulation in their attic and/or basement, but if there are holes under it, or imperfections in the installation of insulation, then in most cases, your insulation is only averaging around 25% of what the rated R-value should be.
Why You Should Choose Aladdin Insulation
Experienced
We've been in business since 1986. Our business depends on referrals. We've served over 20,000 homeowners.
Local
Many installers will tell you they're local, but they're not, they could be coming from hours away. We're located in Alpharetta, off Mansell.
We offer a lifetime workmanship warranty on our products for as long as you own your home, so you'll have confidence that you will be satisfied.
Certified
All installers are BPI-Certified, and we’re the only Gold contractor in Atlanta! We tailor specific solutions to your home.
Our Team
Installers are employees, not subcontractors, and our team members have all undergone drug tests and background checks.
We have made a commitment to serving our wider community through our Community Promise. We offer special rates to military, first responders and senior citizens.
As Atlanta’s only Gold BPI-certified contractor, we are uniquely positioned to provide you a custom quote, saving you money and headache, to specifically address the problem you are trying to solve. We take into account the age, style, and science of your home. Our mission is to provide you with the best possible product, at the best price and with the highest level of service possible.
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