Attic Insulation – What You Need to Know
Almost half of the heat loss in a home occurs through the attic. Keeping your home warm in winter is critical in places like Thunder Bay, Ontario, and it can be expensive. Inadequate insulation makes it more so!
Installing proper insulation is one of the most affordable ways to minimize your energy costs, keep your attic (and home) healthy, and look after your rooftop.
Insulation Tips
Ideally, you won’t use your attic for storage. By removing plywood attic floors, you can insulate the attic floor better by layering insulation materials.
Insulation may be loose fill or batt/blanket. Both of these are suitable for adding to an uninsulated attic, or may be layered over an existing insulation system. A certain insulation type may be more suitable for your own attic; let the professionals be your guide.
Loose Fill Insulation is comprised of loose fibres of fibreglass, cellulose, or mineral wool; each has its own unique qualities. It is most suitable for poky attic spaces with irregular joist spacing or a lot of obstructions. It suits areas with existing insulation as it can be used to fill gaps, as well as attic spaces with low head clearance.
Batts or Blanket Insulation are packaged in rolls of standard widths and varying thicknesses. They are designed to fit between studs and joists in the framing of the roof space. They may also come with facing to act as a barrier to moisture. Batts are most suited to attics without existing insulation and with standard joist spacing. There needs to be adequate headroom for installation work, and few obstructions in the attic. Batts may be made from fibreglass, cellulose, mineral wool, or cotton.
IMPORTANT: Older homes and buildings may have existing insulation made from vermiculite: this contains asbestos. Vermiculite appears grainy, loose, lightweight, and has shiny flecks within it. You need a professional to handle and remove this.
Signs your Attic Insulation is Inadequate
- High costs for heating and cooling
- Roof is leaking
- Ice build-up on rooftop
- Icicles on the fascia or eaves-troughs
- Cold areas in the home
- Roof is aging prematurely
Before you go ahead and install insulation, you need to have roof leaks repaired, direct exhaust fans and vents to the home’s exterior, box out light fixtures, and make sure you take all necessary safety measures.
Call Dykstra Knight for the very best roofing services. We have the experience and expertise to assess and address all of your rooftop needs, including the insulation of your attic.