With the right amount of attic insulation, you can save money on your monthly heating and cooling bills. Insulating the space properly will also help keep your northern Utah home more comfortable and minimize the risks of serious problems like attic condensation and rooftop ice dams.
So, how much insulation do you need? The following guide explains how to make sure your attic is well-insulated.
Signs Your Attic is Under-Insulated
Rising energy bills and fluctuations in the temperature of your northern Utah home can be clues that your attic is under-insulated, but a quick inspection of the space may reveal more telltale signs. You likely need more insulation if you notice:
- Visible damage, gaps or holes
- Dark spots or other discoloration
- Areas that are damp or wet
- Shifting or settling of the fibers
Determining Your Attic Insulation Needs
While you?re up there taking a look at the attic, you can perform an easy test to determine how much insulation is already in place.
Using a tape measure, figure out how far your insulation extends from the wall. The depth indicates the R-value of the material, which is a measurement of how well it resists heat transfer. The deeper the insulation, the higher the R-value ? and the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating performance.
What?s the R-value of your current attic insulation? According to the Insulation Institute, you can generally assume a value of about R3 per inch of depth. With that in mind:
- 4 inches deep is equal to R12
- 8 inches deep is equal to R24
- 12 inches deep is equal to R36
- 16 inches deep is equal to R48
The R-value you need depends mainly upon the type of heating and cooling system you have and your climate. In northern Utah, most attics need between R49 and R60 insulation. With that in mind, if yours has a depth of less than 20 inches, you may need to install additional insulation.
Installing Effective Attic Insulation
If you think you need more attic insulation, contact a professional contractor. Properly insulating an attic is no easy task ? and any misstep could lead to major issues. A contractor will know which material to use and how to install it to ensure the space has an effective thermal barrier.
In northern Utah, homeowners trust GreenHome Specialties for professional insulation installation. Contact us for a free home energy audit, and our certified analysts can conduct an expert assessment to determine your insulation needs. We?ll also recommend other cost-effective improvements that can help bring down your energy bills and improve your home comfort.
To schedule your free home energy audit, or to chat with the GreenHome Specialties team about attic insulation for your northern Utah home, contact our Layton or Provo office today.
