Attics. They make a great place to hoard or store stuff, and can also be a source of anxiety if you fear taking a bad step and falling through the ceiling. They are the place for air handlers and ductwork in most homes. Needless to say, an attic is a multifunctional space. It is also a very important space. Besides storing all those old family heirlooms and personal treasures, your attic space serves as a protective barrier between your roof and the living space from cold, heat, humidity, pollutants, and moisture. Thus, it is vital that your home’s attic be properly insulated.

According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, 90 percent of single-family dwellings in the US are under-insulated. An improperly/inadequately insulated attic means dangers to your health, your home’s structural integrity, and your wallet. But it is a danger that is not without a vaccine. You can re-insulate your attic, either professionally or on a DIY basis. Here are just a few reasons why you should:

1. A well-insulated attic space will lead to lower power bills. Gaps in insulation and in ceilings are sources of air leakage, which is one of the 3 biggest energy wasters. Keeping conditioned air inside your living spaces and HVAC system will keep your heating and air system from running overtime in order to get the job done, resulting in big savings on electricity and heating/cooling costs.
2. There will be less temperature fluctuation in your home. Depending on the season, outdoor temperatures will cause your attic to either be as hot as fire  or cold and damp. When the space is not insulated as well as it should be, especially in older houses, hot/cold attic air can seep through the ceiling, causing indoor temps not to reach the desired comfort setting. You especially see the effects of this on summer afternoons and evenings in our area when air conditioners will run for hours trying to catch up, stopping only after the sun goes down and it cools off outside. Not only will this play into higher energy costs, but inevitably, with the added strain and runtime on your HVAC equipment, it will wear down faster and lead to costly replacements and repairs.
3. You’ll experience improved indoor air quality. Attics can be breeding grounds for mold if humidity and moisture from heat buildup in the summer or damp winter air get through. It can spread into your ductwork and HVAC system as well as through gaps in the ceiling or insulation into your walls, exposing you to the harm such pathogens can bring with them when breathed in. Proper insulation cuts down on the growth and spread of mold by eliminating the moisture needed for it to thrive.
4. Your home will be more structurally safe. A properly insulated attic is more fire resistant and helps to prevent heat buildup from causing damages to your roof such as swollen/cracked shingles, softened decking,  etc. The reduced moisture will prevent seepage from eroding your walls and studs inside the home as well.

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits and why it is a good idea to ensure your attic is fully insulated, let’s tell you about the many different ways to insulate your space. There are too many types to list here without boring you, but each has its own pros and cons. For a list and to compare and contrast, check out this article here: https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/insulation-types/

If you are considering re-insulating your attic or would like to know more, call on The Team You Can Trust! We would love to answer your questions or set you up with a free estimate! Call us a t (864)-578-7575 or shoot us a message on our website or social media pages.