The Basics of Attic Insulation
Unfortunately many houses are either being constructed with no attic insulation or simply have poor quality insulation. Any credible home contractor would recommend an upgrade in order to protect the upper part of a home from adverse weather conditions and other natural elements that could be potentially destructive. Insulation ensures that despite the temperature on the outside, the inside of the attic will maintain a relatively constant temperature. Insulation helps make a home more energy efficient by reducing the need for central heating in the winter and air conditioning during summer. Another advantage of insulation is the fact that it prevents dust, insects and other foreign bodies from entering the attic. Most attics without sufficient sealing tend to accumulate plenty of dust especially if used as a storage area. Many home owners may not understand why it is necessary for an attic to be insulated but it is clear that its absence could lead to problems in the long run.
- The basics of attic insulation
In most cases the materials used are cellulose and fiberglass. Cellulose is normally treated with a fire resistant material before it is fitted on any surface. It is favored for this process because it is has protective qualities and its flexible nature also enables it to fit in spaces that would otherwise be unreachable. Fiberglass is also an ideal material to use because it is made up of tightly packed glass fibers that offer sufficient protective sheeting. It is also sturdy enough withstand extreme conditions. The cellulose and fiber glass are fitted over each other for added reinforcement and it usually does not matter which sheeting is fitted on top of the other. However, the fiber glass is supposed to be ‘unfaced’ or placed within perforated poly bags which prevent any possible condensation on the facing. It is recommended that this fitting be done during spring when the weather is mild.
- Why do you need an expert?
The process of attic insulation is rather technical and would require the expertise of a qualified home contractor to execute. Many people try and do it themselves to save on costs but end up doing a substandard job that needs reworking. A good home contractor will be able to do a thorough assessment of the area that requires insulation before quantifying the material needed. Most credible contractors offer comprehensive quotations that enable potential clients to know exactly how much the entire insulation process will cost. This is convenient for those who may want to know if the procedure will fit into their budget. After the terms and conditions have been agreed upon the work begins and the material is expertly fitted on all sides of the attic covering all the crevices around the space. In the event that vermiculite insulation may need to be upgraded, it is likely that it contains asbestos which contains harmful toxins. It is for this reason an expert home contractor is recommended to deal with the situation in a professional manner. Experts will also be able to establish the amount of insulation needed in line with the Department of Energy requirements.
