It’s not unusual for a home to lack sufficient attic insulation. However, with proper insulation, the attic can help improve indoor comfort and keep your roof in good shape. Your trusted local professional roofing contractor Empire Roofing & More discusses the importance of proper attic insulation.
Attic vs. Roof Insulation
Roof and attic insulation are often referred to in the same sense, but they are really two different types of insulation. Roof insulation is installed right under the roof deck and is either expanding foam or cellulose from recycled paper. On the other hand, attic insulation is installed on or under the attic floor, and can be loosely laid or blanket fiberglass in addition to the two types mentioned above.
Roof insulation slows down thermal transfer between the roof and the outdoors, which helps reduce radiant heat absorption in the summer and helps prevent formation of ice dams in the winter. In comparison, attic insulation slows down thermal transfer between the indoor spaces and the attic, which helps reduce heat loss during the winter season and avoid leaking heat in the attic.
Benefits of Proper Attic Insulation
Attic insulation isn’t always considered as important as roof insulation and is sometimes not installed at all. However, having attic insulation offers several benefits.
- Savings in heating and cooling. As described above, attic insulation is a barrier that helps slow down thermal transfer between your indoor living spaces and the attic. During winter, this helps keep the heat circulating in the rooms and reduce the workload on your heating system. During summer, attic insulation helps slow down heat from getting into your indoor space, complementing wall and siding insulation in keeping your home cool.
- Maintain your roof’s condition. Attic insulation, together with proper roof ventilation, can help prevent warping and other kinds of damage to the roof caused by trapped heat. Also, warm and humid spaces encourage mold growth, which may spread to other parts of the house sight unseen.
Empire Roofing & More provides roofing services to customers in Township and Pittsburgh, PA, as well as the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (412) 999-7135 or (412) 414-1570. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
