For most homeowners, attic insulation is out of sight and out of mind. Unfortunately for those who don’t pay attention, attic insulation can also be a huge source of energy loss. Heat naturally flows from warm areas to cool areas. Without the correct amount of

 

Arlington, VA, attic insulation, warm indoor air will rise to the attic in the winter, and air heated by a hot roof will push down into your living spaces in the summer. This can raise your heating and cooling costs by as much as 30%!

Because we live in Climate Zone 4, the Department of Energy advises homeowners in the Northern Virginia area to achieve a minimum attic insulation value of R38. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power, but most older homes (and some new homes) have nowhere near the recommended amount of attic insulation in Arlington, VA. To determine if your home would benefit from additional attic insulation to improve efficiency, use a tape measure to determine the depth of the insulation in 10 different locations in your attic. Add the numbers together and divide to calculate the average thickness. If the average number is less than 16 inches, you need more insulation.

If you live in an older home, we recommend that you consider having your attic insulation evaluated as part of a roofing inspection. Roofing & More’s experts can replace compressed insulation or add more insulation, and also ensure proper attic ventilation. We recommend a blown-in insulation system, one of the best and easiest ways to increase the insulative value of your attic. For an attic insulation and ventilation assessment, plus other cost-effective, energy-saving ideas for your home, give Roofing & More a call today at [company_number].