Have your bills gone through the roof? Have you noticed that your home can’t keep the temperature comfortable without running your AC or heater? If your attic is easily accessible, grab a ladder and take a peek at the state of your current insulation. If you see old, torn, or missing insulation, that may be the reason why your home isn’t as comfortable as it was when you first purchased it.
Knowing how attic insulation affects an uncomfortable home is the key to solving your indoor climate problems. Think of insulation as your home’s blanket, keeping your family warm in winter and cool in summer. Replacing a blanket is easy, but knowing when to replace insulation is tricky. This article will help you understand how insulation works, what to look for, and when to call a pro for an expert opinion.
Points to Remember
- Replace attic insulation when you see visible damage.
- A well insulated attic will lower your energy bills.
Understanding How Attic Insulation Works
I have already mentioned how attic Insulation keeps your home comfortable year-round by regulating temperature and reducing energy costs. This section will give you a beginner’s overview of attic insulation, material types, and how to understand the R-value.
How Is Insulation Used
Insulation can be installed in attics, crawl spaces, and walls to slow down heat transfer to and from the outside. Some off-label uses include cord management, agriculture, refrigeration, and space exploration, but those are topics for another blog. Regardless of how insulation is used, all insulation works by trapping air pockets and slowing the escape of warm or cold air. So, updating or replacing your attic insulation gives you a two for one benefit, it will make your home more comfortable and lower your monthly bill.
If you live in a cold and wet climate like Seattle, you’ll need thicker insulation with a higher R-value to keep your home warm. If you live in a warm climate like San Diego or Orange County, you’ll need lower R-Values since temperatures are moderate.
Types of Insulation Used in The United States
There are four types of insulation commonly used in the US. By looking at the most popular types of insulation, you’ll understand their applications and make a better decision for your home’s energy needs.
Fiberglass: Lightweight and non-combustible. It’s the most recognizable type of insulation and is often a pink cotton candy color. Fiberglass insulation is rolled up in bats and can be picked up at your local home improvement store, making it a popular choice for DIY projects and professional installers.
Cellulose: If saving the environment and keeping your home comfortable are your goals, then cellulose insulation should be considered. Cellulose insulation is manufactured from 100% recycled paper [1]. It’s no surprise that environmentally friendly contractors tend to recommend cellulose as one of the most eco-friendly insulation products for filling gaps and voids in walls and attics.
Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation is used in new construction for walls and attics. Spray foam is eco-friendly and cost-effective. When released from its high-pressure hose, it expands and seals every nook and cranny, wrapping your home in a tight-fitting insulation blanket.
Insulation Material and R-Value
Think of the R-value as a measure of your insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better your insulation will perform. For example, if you live in Everett, WA, your R-value will need to be higher since winters can be cooler compared to winters in southern California. R-value varies by material type. The chart below can be a guide for you to better understand what R-Value to consider for different parts of your home.
R-Value Range by Material
| Material | R-value per inch | Typical Applications | Typical Applications with Examples |
| Cellulose, loose fill | 3.7 | Attic floors | Attic floors (e.g., loose-fill insulation in the attic to reduce heat loss) |
| Cellulose, high density | 3.2 | Walls, enclosed spaces, framing transitions | Walls, enclosed spaces, framing transitions (e.g., dense pack cellulose in wall cavities) |
| Fiberglass, batts | 3.0 | Basement ceilings, open stud walls, attic floors | Basement ceilings, open stud walls, attic floors (e.g., fiberglass batts in basement ceilings) |
| Fiberglass, loose fill | 2.8 | Attic floors, existing walls | Attic floors, existing walls (e.g., adding loose fill fiberglass in an existing wall cavity) |
| Fiberglass, loose fill, fluffed below manufacturer’s standards | uncertain | Do not install, or correct by adding higher density | Do not install, or correct by adding higher density (e.g., improperly installed loose fill) |
| Rockwool | 3.0 | Attic floors, walls, basement ceilings (loose or batts) | Attic floors, walls, basement ceilings (loose or batts) (e.g., rockwool batts in basement ceilings) |
| Vermiculite | 2.7 | Attic floors | Attic floors (e.g., vermiculite insulation in the attic) |
| Poly-isocyanurate, rigid board | 7.0 | Foundation walls, attic access doors | Foundation walls, attic access doors (e.g., rigid board insulation on foundation walls) |
| Polystyrene, expanded rigid board | 4.0 | Foundation walls, sill plates | Foundation walls, sill plates (e.g., expanded polystyrene on foundation walls) |
| Polystyrene, extruded rigid board | 5.0 | Foundation walls, sub-slabs, sill plates | Foundation walls, sub-slabs, sill plates (e.g., extruded polystyrene under a concrete slab) |
| Low Density Urethane, sprayed foam | 3.7 | Attics, new walls, sill plates, band joists, framing transitions | Attics, new walls, sill plates, band joists, framing transitions (e.g., spray foam in new construction walls) |
| Urethane, sprayed foam | 6.0 | Attics, new walls, sill plates, band joists, framing transitions | Attics, new walls, sill plates, band joists, framing transitions (e.g., high-density spray foam in new construction) |
| Urea Formaldehyde Foam | 4.0 | Attics, existing walls | Attics, existing walls (e.g., urea-formaldehyde foam in an existing wall) |
What do all these R-values mean? Homeowners should choose an insulation product that meets regional requirements and insulation goals. To make an informed decision reach out to a local pro like Attic Projects and compare data found on the Energy Star website: [https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/identify-problems-you-want-fix/diy-checks-inspections/insulation-r-values]
Determining if your insulation Needs to Be Replaced
Let’s face it, no one wants the inconvenience of replacing insulation. Updating attic insulation can be necessary for several reasons. Insulation can degrade over time, become damaged from moisture, or develop into a breeding ground for mold. At Attic Projects, we find the most common reason for replacing insulation is due to household pests like rats, mice, and raccoons eating and soiling existing insulation.
Degrading Over Time
Like most things in your home, attic insulation has a limited lifespan. Common insulation, like cellulose, will last about 15 years [1], but can be effective for up to 30 years with proper care. Over time, insulation can compress or settle and lose its effectiveness. When this happens, you will notice signs of temperature discomfort inside your home.
Signs of degradation are usually visible and can be easily diagnosed by observing the thickness loss. If insulation appears like the air was removed from it, e.g., flat or uneven, it may not provide adequate protection. This is why it’s important to create a yearly routine to check the health of your insulation.
Damage from Moisture and Water
In places like Seattle, the constant moisture can be the root cause of insulation damage. Roof leaks or old leaky pipes can introduce water to insulation, making it degrade faster. Wet insulation loses its insulating properties and allows heat to flow through more easily.
If your insulation has sustained long-term water damage, it will corrupt the insulation fibers, which will require insulation removal. During your annual inspection, homeowners should check for water stains on ceilings and puddles of water in the attic. In addition to replacing insulation, invest in proper attic ventilation and roof maintenance, this will add an extra layer to help you keep unwanted moisture from coming into your home.
Mold and Mildew Growth
If there were only one element to keep away from insulation, it would be moisture. When insulation is damp, mold and mildew will grow and spread throughout the attic. This not only affects insulation performance, but can have a catastrophic impact on indoor air quality which can exacerbate respiratory issues.
If mold has spread throughout your attic, don’t attempt to clean it yourself. Call a professional remediation company that has expertise in attics. Removing mold without the proper protective gear can increase the spread of mold, damage your property, and cause health risks [2].
Infestation by Rodents and Pests
According to the US Census, over 14 million homes reported seeing rodents in their homes. [3] It means
that 4.2% of all US households have been impacted by rats or other household pests. If left uncontrolled, rodents can wreak havoc on your home and eat through your attic, crawl space, and wall insulation. Why do rodents like insulation? For the same reason humans do, they use it to make nests to keep warm during winter and cool in summer. Insulation becomes ineffective when it’s pulled apart, but worse, the pests can also bring in droppings and urine, which produce a foul smell and degrade the air quality in your home.
What signs should you look for? According to Adam Goldman, COO of Attic Projects, “If you see droppings in your attic or crawl space, there is a 99% likelihood of a rodent infestation”. If you notice any of these signs, a professional cleaning and sanitation will be required. Additionally, your attic technician will replace damaged insulation and identify and seal entry holes to prevent re-infestation.
Signs Your Attic INSULATION NEEDS REPLACEMENT
We will look at other scenarios that can determine when to replace insulation. These include physical damage, sometimes due to DIY repairs or improper cleaning techniques, temperature changes like abnormal heatwaves or freezes, a dramatic increase to your energy bill that is not a result of rate increases, or weather-related problems. These signs can be footprints for homeowners to start identifying insulation problems.
Visible Insulation Damage
Has work been done in your attic by plumbers or electricians? Have you had a cleaning crew vacuum or reorganize your attic? Often, service companies will inadvertently damage your attic insulation. This includes tears and water stains, which can result in mold growth. If you see insulation that looks crushed or compacted, it has most likely lost some or all its effectiveness.
Wet or damp spots mean chronic moisture has impacted your insulation; without proper water remediation, it will lead to mold growth. Mold not only affects insulation performance but can also infect the wood and drywall in your attic. If 30% of your insulation is damaged, it’s time to consider a complete attic insulation replacement.
Routine attic inspections can prevent further damage and reduce insulation replacement costs.
Fluctuating Indoor Temperatures
Inconsistent indoor temperatures can be a sign of insulation problems. If you notice changing drafts of cold or warm air, it could indicate inadequate insulation. For example, having a missing piece of insulation in your attic can cause heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Homeowners may feel drafts or cold spots, which could be caused by insulation gaps. Installing new insulation or reinforcing existing material can stabilize the temperature in your home. Maintaining a consistent indoor climate is one of the best ways to achieve year-long comfort and energy savings.
high energy bills
Do you find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat? When insulation is compromised, heating and cooling systems have to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. This increased demand contributes to higher utility bills.
If bills keep rising despite regular A/C maintenance, it’s time to check the insulation. An energy audit like the one found on energystar.gov can help identify insulation issues and recommend upgrades. Taking common-sense action will result in long-term savings.
Ice Dam Formation
In cooler climates, ice dams can be a sign of considerable insulation problems. Ruling out negative freezing temperatures, ice damns form when heat escapes through the roof and melts the snow and freezes at the eaves. This results in icicles and can cause water and property damage if not addressed.
One of the most common ways of reducing ice dam formation is having your home equipped with the proper insulation and ventilation systems. As a homeowner, you should monitor roof conditions and consider replacing your roof insulation if you notice ice damns in the eaves of your roof.
Pro tip: Check your neighbor’s roofs that face the same direction. If you notice a difference between their ice dams and yours, it’s most likely an insulation problem.
Insulation Replacement Benefits
Unless your home was recently built or had insulation replaced in the last 10 years, replacing attic insulation will increase your overall comfort, save you money on electricity, and make the air in your home smell better.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency can be defined as “squeezing” or optimizing home energy use to reduce power costs while maintaining comfort.
With the right insulation in your attic or crawl space, your HVAC system works less since the temperature in your home will not fluctuate as much as one with old or missing insulation.
In some regions, the right insulation systems in walls, attics, and crawl spaces can allow homeowners to install smaller, more efficient heating and cooling units while reducing energy consumption.
Increased energy efficiency also means a smaller carbon footprint and environmental sustainability. If your home needs new insulation, replacing it can be a smart investment, especially if you plan on living in your home for over a decade. The longer you live in it, the more your investment in energy efficiency will pay off.
Comfort
Is your home consistently warm or cold? Do you notice that as seasons change, you keep adjusting your AC to stay comfortable in your home? You may have leaky windows or door sealing problems, but our experience has shown that insulation is generally the primary culprit when it comes to solving home comfort problems.
After new insulation is installed, homeowners have fewer temperature fluctuations, which means more comfortable living, especially during severe weather events.
If you live near a busy road or highway, train tracks or near a school, added insulation will reduce noise from the outside. This quieting effect helps contribute to a peaceful indoor space.
Better Air Quality
When insulation is replaced in the attic or crawl space, homeowners will notice cleaner, crisper air inside their homes. If you’re wondering why insulation changes the indoor air quality, it’s simple: old insulation can harbor decades of dust, mold, or allergens that keep circulating throughout the air every time your furnace runs.
When an insulation technician removes old materials, they will professionally clean the dust and air particles in the attic, which will, in turn, help upgrade your indoor air quality.
Moreover, modern insulation materials are treated to resist moisture by using silicone-based spray or wax emulsions, which resist moisture. Adding a multi-layer vapor barrier in your crawl space or attic would add an extra layer to prevent future moisture problems and keep your indoor air mold-free.
Long Term Savings
ATTIC CHECK
As mentioned before, checking your attic annually is important for energy efficiency and comfort. Key places to inspect are ventilation, insulation quality, and air sealing.
Ventilation Check
Proper attic ventilation manages temperature and moisture. It allows air to flow freely and prevents heat buildup and condensation. Homeowners should check for vents at the eaves and peak of the roof.
Signs of poor ventilation are:
- Mold growth
- Damaged roofing materials
- Excessive heat in the attic
Local building codes may require ventilation. So, homeowners should check their local municipality codes and know the standards that apply to their property. A local licensed contractor will install the necessary ventilation based on city, region, and state codes. A good working HVAC system can help boost the airflow in your attic. Regular checks can prevent bigger problems later on.
Insulation Deficiency
Have you replaced your AC, sealed your vents, and still notice a loss of heat in winter and warmer air in the summer? This could mean your home was built with less than ideal-insulation thickness or density. When an insulation deficiency is suspected,, a professional attic contractor will measure the thickness and visually inspect the insulation spread throughout your attic.
As mentioned in this blog, your region’s R-value is important since it can predict your insulation performance. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Current building codes require a specific R-value for attics, which varies by climate zone. See the map below from eneregystar.gov for your home’s climate zone.
Telltale signs that your home has insulation density problems:
- Uncomfortable hot or cold rooms
- High utility bills
- Ice dams on the roof in winter
- Unusual dust accumulations
- Increase in outdoor noises heard from within the home
Hire a professional to give you a free insulation inspection; they will educate you on your local R-Values requirement and any deficits your attic may have; if your home does not meet local minimums, insulation replacement should be considered.
Air Leak Check
Another overlooked problem that manifests itself with attic insulation is air leaks, particularly in your attic; while no home can be 100% sealed, there are ways to insulate better that prevent air leaks from developing. Before replacing insulation, homeowners should identify and seal air leaks. Although air leaks can form anywhere, common areas to inspect are joints, ducts, chimneys, and flue shafts (insulation should never come in contact with flammable areas) and around electrical outlets in the attic.
We recommend hiring a professional to check for air leaks, but if you want to try it yourself, consider the following techniques.
- Blower door test – This test will measure how airtight your home is. The process usually requires a professional, but can be done by a homeowner with the proper equipment. You will need a pressure gauge and an airflow meter that can measure the depressurization (or pressure) of the house, and the amount of air needed to maintain this pressure difference is measured to determine overall air leakage. During the test, specific air leaks can be identified using tools like smoke pencils or infrared cameras.
- Visual inspection – To visually inspect for air leaks, close all your exterior doors and windows and open interior doors. Use a smoke pencil or incense stick to detect airflow by watching the smoke near the edges of windows, doors, and other suspected leaky areas. Or find a powerful flashlight and turn it on in a dark room to spotlight, escaping dust through cracks. Alternatively, hold a thin piece of paper to see if it moves with the natural airflow. Look for visible gaps, cracks, and poorly installed or missing insulation.
- Hand test – The hand test for air leak inspection involves, like the official name, using your hand to feel for drafts or temperature differences around potential leak areas in your home. Wait for a windy day or when there’s a big temperature swing between indoors and outdoors, then gently move your hand around the edges of windows, doors, electrical outlets, baseboards, attic hatches, and any other areas where different materials meet. If you feel cold air or a draft, it’s most likely an air leak. This test is easy for any homeowner to try and doesn’t require special equipment.
Insulation Replacement Process
Unfortunately, replacing insulation is not as simple as replacing an AC filter. It’s a complex process that requires a small to medium crew and a licensed contractor. The steps required vary based on the type of insulation but generally include removing old insulation, cleaning, disinfecting, choosing the right insulation, and replacing it with proper insulation for the different areas of your home. We will review each step to help you better understand the process.
Removing old insulation
Removing old insulation sounds easy, but the process is complex and can be dangerous. If your attic has fiberglass batts, the process is seamless, but if your attic has blown-in insulation, you will need a commercial insulation vacuum, cutting equipment, and paint scrappers to loosen insulation.
Regardless of the type of insulation, the removal process requires all personnel to wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and goggles. Insulation is like a sponge and absorbs dust and allergens. That’s why having a commercial air cleaner running during the removal process is important. Without it, the dust will be absorbed into your HVAC system and exasperate allergies, and denigrate air quality.
After removing the insulation, the cleaning and inspection process begins. Insulation can mask rodent droppings, mold, and structural problems. The inspection process is often overlooked but can be the most important part of insulation replacement. It allows your insulation contractor to seal and disinfect your attic or other areas where insulation will be installed.
Professional Installation
There is an old saying, “you get what you pay for”, which has never been truer when it comes to hiring a professional contractor to insulate your attic or crawl space. Look for a contractor that has the expertise and equipment to give you, as the homeowner a seamless experience. When looking for an insulation contractor, ask them about their experience with your type of home. Some contractors have experience with Victorian homes but have never installed attic insulation in mid-century modern. You want a contractor who is comfortable working in your home. Following these steps will help you avoid surprises and delays in completing your insulation project.
Return on Investment
When you replace your Insulation, you will notice big savings on your monthly energy bills. Proper insulation keeps indoor temperature comfortable and reduces heating and cooling costs.
Homeowners should calculate the potential energy savings based on local utility rates and how much insulation will improve energy efficiency. For example, upgrading to spray foam insulation can give you 30% energy savings compared to insulation installed in the 1970s.
Do a cost-benefit analysis to determine if the upfront cost is worth it. Calculate how long it will take to break even on the cost through energy savings to ensure positive ROI.
Paying For Insulation Removal
Owning a home in the US is already expensive, between mortgages, insurance, and property taxes, most homeowners can be stretched to their limit. Adding insulation removal and installation can be hard to swallow financially. Most reputable insulation contractors should have easy financing options. For example, attic projects offers finance options through Aqua finance. Your local installer may have similar or other options available to you.
Depending on where you live, there may be federal or local incentives for insulation upgrades. Some areas offer tax credits or rebates for energy-efficient home improvements, which can offset the cost. Spending the extra time researching available programs will help you save money on your project.
OTHER HOME INSULATION STRATEGIES
If you want to live in the ultimate energy-efficient home, you need to think beyond just insulation in your attic. When homeowners combine different insulation and energy saving strategies, the results can generate big savings on energy bills and more importantly home comfort.
COMBINING ATTIC INSULATION WITH OTHER INSULATION PRODUCTS
In most homes, attic insulation is part of a combined plan to increase energy efficiency. Installing the proper attic insulation for your home will undoubtedly reduce heat loss, but it works best with other measures. For example, sealing air leaks around windows and doors and updating ductwork can decrease your energy bills by an additional 10%.
Often overlooked, insulating your attic floor with fiberglass or spray foam will help. This should be complemented with roof insulation to reduce heat transfer. If you want the most insulated home on your block, consider reflective barriers to counter heat gain during summer.
ALTERNATIVE INSULATION FOR WALLS AND FLOORS
While the attic absorbs most heat from the sun, your walls and floors play an important role in your home’s energy efficiency by not allowing the cold or hot air to escape. Your home can benefit from adding extra insulation to both walls and floors. When insulating walls, most contractors will use cellulose, fiberglass, and foam board insulation.
All cellulose insulation is made from recycled materials and can be blown into existing walls. Fiberglass batts are easy to install in new homes, which makes it a popular choice for new home builders. For basements, we recommend using foam boards due to their high thermal resistance.
The Floors in your home should be insulated with rigid foam board or fiberglass batts (depending on your region and budget). Properly insulated floors will prevent heat loss in split-level and multi-story homes, with added benefits to basements.
USING STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) is an alternative to traditional framing method. It consists of a rigid foam core sandwiched between two layers of structural board. This design provides good insulation and can reduce the framing material needed.
SIPs can be used in new construction or during a major renovation. It has better thermal performance compared to standard stud walls. The continuous insulation reduces thermal bridging which is when heat escapes through framing members.
SIPs can save you time and labor. It’s Energy efficient and provides a good insulation option.
Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24862-black-mold
3. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/04/how-many-american-homes-have-pests.html
4. https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/attic-insulation/
