Reasons

Attic insulation is popular among homeowners for one good reason: it works. As you probably learned in school, heat rises. That means that the wintertime is a difficult season for many homeowners. It can take an enormous amount of energy to heat a home, mostly because all of that warmth is escaping out of the top of the house. This is an unwinnable battle if you don’t have something up there to block this escape. If you do, however, you will see the tides turn in your favor. Not only will it keep heat from escaping in the winter, it will keep it out in the summer, making it much easier for your air conditioning to do its job properly.

Types

When you begin the search for attic insulation, you’ll immediately notice that you have a lot of options from which to choose. Some of the most popular options include loose fill and batt. Loose fill is popular because it can access strange corners and the little areas where other types sometimes fail. The blanket rolls, or batt, are popular because homeowners can usually do the installation themselves. It is usually less expensive than most other types. Some companies have also begun offering a blown-in option, which provides a higher level of sealant properties, ensuring that your home is snug.

Proper Installation

Whether you’re doing it yourself or entrusting the work to a contractor, how the attic insulation is installed is often more important than which type you choose. One of the first things that must be done is a sealing off of any air leaks. The batting can only do so much to stop airflow. You need to give it all the help you can. Make sure you cover any openings into the attic with plywood to complete the energy efficiency. At the same time, make sure you do not block off vents, as improper ventilation can cause its own problems.