December 15, 2022
Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. With the proper attic insulation and air sealing, you can save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable all year round.
To get all the benefits of attic insulation, you need to have enough of it. Insulation levels are measured in R-values, and the R-value you will need depends on where you live.
What Is an Insulation R-value?
Insulation levels are measured in R-value per inch of thickness. The R-value tells you how well an insulation material can resist heat transfer—the R stands for resistance. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be.
Almost every type of insulation is measured in R-value, including fiberglass batts and blown-in insulation. The only exception is radiant barrier insulation, which is not measured in R-value because radiant barriers work by reflecting radiant heat rather than blocking thermal heat transfer.
The R-Value You Need Depends on Where You Live
Recommended R-values are determined by climate, which means the amount of attic insulation you need depends on where you live. In North Carolina, R-38 is recommended for attic insulation.
Do You Need More Attic Insulation?
If you don’t have any insulation in your attic, you definitely need more. But if you already have some attic insulation, it can be challenging to determine whether you have enough. The best way to figure it out is to schedule a consultation with a professional attic insulation company, like Standard Insulating Company. We can evaluate your current insulation, measure its R-value, and look for signs of damage like moisture or settling. From there, we’ll determine how much more insulation you need and recommend the best type of attic insulation for your home.
There are also ways to check your attic insulation levels yourself before calling a professional. An easy way is to visually inspect your attic insulation. Take a look at the insulation you currently have on your attic floor. If the insulation is level at or below the joists in your attic, you likely need more. When you have enough attic insulation, your joists are typically covered.
Another way to determine whether you need more attic insulation is to think about the comfort and efficiency of your home. The following issues are often caused by a lack of proper attic insulation:
A hot upper floor
Inconsistent temperatures between rooms
It’s never warm or cool enough in your home
Unexplainably high energy bills
These signs can also indicate a problem with other types of insulation in your home, like your crawl space insulation or wall insulation. We offer a free energy analysis to determine where your home comfort and efficiency issues are stemming from so we can implement the right solution. We’ve been serving homeowners in the Charlotte, North Carolina area for many years and are proud to offer top-quality, award-winning service to our customers.