Help Me Add Attic Insulation to My Home

Increasing attic insulation levels reduces energy use in the winter and summer. Additionally, increased insulation improves home comfort all year long. Also, attic insulation requires no maintenance! Plus, if installed properly, insulation works for a very long time. However, for most types of attic insulation to perform properly it is critical to air seal, then insulate!

R-value measures insulation performance. How? R-value captures the ability of insulation to resist heat flow. As a result, the higher the R-value, the better the insulating capacity. Therefore, GreenHomes recommends between R-40 - R-60 insulation in attics, which maximizes comfort and energy savings. Since most insulations are approximately 3.0 to 3.5 per inch of depth, a good rule of thumb for attics to maintain roughly 12 to 18 inches of insulation. For insulation to minimize the flow of heat loss, it must be installed:

• Continuously with no gaps – Install attic insulation without any gaps, voids or spaces (100% continuous).
• To the proper thickness – Compressing insulation decreases its insulating ability. As a result, always install insulation to the proper thickness.
• Dry and away from moisture sources – Most insulations reduce their effectiveness when in contact with a moisture source. Therefore, ensure no water contacts the insulation.
• With NO air flowing through it – Air movement through insulation reduces the insulating capability. And air sealing attics before insulating helps stop air movement through the insulation.