Did you know heating and cooling account for 50-70% of the average energy consumption in most homes? This may sound unbelievable, but it’s true. If you have been considering installing or upgrading your attic insulation, you are on the right path to saving a lot of money.
This article will answer how much insulation can save you, list some of the most important determiners of insulation cost, and tell you whom to contact for professional help.
Benefits of Attic Insulation
Most places on earth experience extreme weather conditions, which make living uncomfortable. For example, temperatures in the Twin Cities region usually fluctuate between -30º to 100º in less than half a year. This is why insulation is a critical component in your home.
Attic insulation in your home:
- Lowers heating and cooling costs
- Keeps air leakage under control
- Stabilizes room temperature
- Adds values to your home
- Inhibits the formation of winter ice dams on your roof
- Prevents unwanted pests
- Protects your home’s structure from moisture damage
- Reduces pollution and excess energy use
- Acts as a noise insulator, especially in stormy weather
Types of Insulation
There are three main insulation options to choose from. They include:
- Cellulose Insulation – Made of shredded newspaper pieces.
- Spray Foam Insulation – This is ideal for tight spaces and mitigating airflow.
- Fiberglass Insulation – If your attic has an air barrier, go with fiberglass insulation. This material is composed of recycled materials and sand.
Cost of Insulation
Attic insulation does not come with one-size-fits-all pricing. In fact, the price of installing or upgrading may be determined by various factors, including your current insulation situation. If you want unrivaled accuracy and competency, get your insulation estimates from a reputable insulation contractor.
When estimating the final cost of attic insulation installation, the factors usually considered include the health of your existing insulation, R-value needed, type of insulation used, and your attic size and ease of access.
Health of Insulation
The health of your insulation may affect the cost of upgrading your R-value.
If your insulation is old and has settled, adding new insulation on top of the existing insulation should be fine. However, if it is moldy or has signs of pest infestation, removing the existing insulation before adding anything new is best. This will almost always require a second company to come remove damaged insulation before your contractor adds new.
Note: mold in your attic is dangerous. Check regularly for any signs of it and take immediate action to prevent its growth.
R-Value
R-value refers to an insulator’s thermal quality. If an insulator has a higher R-value, it will resist temperature fluctuation more effectively. Therefore, you may expect a higher price depending on the insulator you choose and the R-value you need to be added.
- Loose-fill cellulose has an R-value of approximately 3.2 to 3.8 per inch.
- Spray foam insulation comes in two types: open-cell spray foam with 3.7 per inch and closed-cell spray foam, which delivers as much as 6.5 per inch R-value.
- The R-values per inch of fiberglass batts is 2.9-3.8; the blown-in R-value is 2.2-2.9
Your insulation R-value may also get determined by your climate zone. The more extreme your climate zone is, the higher the R-value you need. For example, the R-value for uninsulated spaces in the Twin Cities is R49-R60. However, if your attic has some insulation, the R-value drops to R38-R49 in this region.
You may check the recommended attic insulation R-value for your part of the country here.
Type of Insulation
All three types of insulation: blown-in, spray foam, and batt, have unique advantages and different prices. Blown-in fiberglass and cellulose are usually the least expensive options.
Attic Size & Access
The cost of attic insulation is often calculated by how many inches are needed per square foot. How accessible your attic is can also affect the final cost. A harder-to-access attic will take longer and may require additional equipment. You can get an exact estimate from professional insulation contractors.
Hire a Pro
High monthly bills are among the most stressful things in life. If you are looking to cut them down, try insulating your home. You may decide to cut costs by undertaking attic insulation yourself. We highly recommend against this. Seek professional services to ensure the installation is well-handled by experts within a convenient timespan.
Our expert team at Midwest Roofing Siding & Windows in the Twin Cities is specially trained and equipped to ensure we provide the best insulation installation services. Get peace of mind from our outstanding, customer-oriented services, and avoid needless, costly rookie mistakes. Contact us for any insulation needs you have in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.