The attic can be a creepy, dust-covered space hidden away behind rarely seen rafters. However, it’s an important part of a home and insulating the attic is one of the best ways to save money on energy costs, improve comfort, and promote sustainability.
Adding attic insulation can significantly reduce heating and cooling bills. This is because heat naturally rises, and poorly insulated attics allow the hot air from your living spaces to escape into the attic and outside. Insulation can also help reduce the amount of noise that carries through the attic from street and construction traffic or from other neighbors’ homes.
Insulating the attic can also make your home more comfortable by reducing temperatures from ceiling to floor. This can be especially helpful in homes with cathedral ceilings, where a temperature gradient would otherwise make rooms uncomfortable. Insulation can also improve indoor air quality by reducing allergens like dust and pollen from penetrating the living spaces through leaky attic seals.
How Proper Attic Insulation from NextGen Cuts Utility Costs
There are several different kinds of attic insulation, including fiberglass batts and spray foam. Spray foam is a two-part liquid that expands into a foam upon curing, filling every crack and crevice and providing a higher R-value than most other insulation types. It also acts as an air barrier, and can provide structural support, making it ideal for sealing attic leaks and other problems.
Other attic insulation options include blanket insulation, cellulose and SIPs (structural insulated panels). Blanket insulation is typically crafted from recycled materials and comes in sheets that can be easily affixed to attic surfaces, such as wooden joists. It’s a popular DIY option, but it can be expensive and require special equipment. Blown-in or loose-fill insulation, on the other hand, is made from a variety of materials like cellulose, mineral wool and fiberglass and is blown into attics with a machine. This option is less expensive than spray foam, but it can have a lower maximum R-value and may be susceptible to moisture issues.
NextGen Spray Foam Insulation
Kila, MT 59920
(406) 871-3729