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Understanding Proper Attic Insulation

Of the many essentials needed to promote a more energy-efficient home, proper attic insulation ranks considerably high. A poorly insulated attic can result in a myriad of problems ranging from barely noticeable to severely impactful, including drafts, excessive heating and AC bills, increased allergens, pests, critters and more. Additionally, homes that have not been insulated for many years (or decades) may be housing materials that are inefficient, toxic or teeming with built-up bacteria that can flow invisibly through your home.

A properly-insulated attic, is one that continually saves homeowners money on monthly heating and AC bills, while protecting the attic’s structural integrity.  At Blue Nail Roofing, we have been insulating attics for over a decade.  Our insulation technicians are thoroughly-trained, experienced in all insulation styles, and completely respectful of your home and family. Our experts recommend and install blown-in insulation by Owens Corning.

Attic space insulation is a critical structural component in a home. Choosing the right type and installation method prevents the kinds of problems often seen in older buildings. Besides ineffective air flow and typically low R-values (a measure of insulating capacity), it may include allergens, pests, and inefficient and toxic materials. The appropriate type of insulation depends on the application. Fiberglass is by far the most common in residential buildings. However, old homes may contain sawdust, balsa wood, shredded newspaper, and loose-fill cellulose in the walls and often nothing in the ceiling. For comparison, the crumpled newspaper has an R-value of about 0.5 per inch, and fiberglass batts 2.9 – 4.3. These materials should be replaced with modern insulation that meets building codes in your area when encountered. Besides the insulating capacity and cost, the location in the structure determines which insulation type is appropriate for a particular application. For example, mineral wool is used for high-temperature areas like furnaces (e.g., over 1000 degrees F). In some cases, spray foam insulation is used in homes with plaster instead of drywall.

Some modern houses were under-insulated when built, and even if your home met the accepted standard when new, things are changing. Heating and cooling costs are going up, as are the environmental demands on the structure. The U.S. Department of Energy evaluates characteristics such as R-value and temperature tolerances for commercially available insulation types, including the attached radiant barrier, if any. The efficiency improvement can scale with the number of square feet of quality insulation and add up to significant energy savings.

The two most common choices for DIY attic insulation are loose-fill or batt (the common term for blanket insulation). Rigid foam insulation can also be used but is more expensive and can be harder to work with. All can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Once you’ve decided which type is best for you, examine the material options and prices. When working with a fibrous material, fibers break off and get into your nasal passages, lungs, eyes, and skin, and are an irritant or worse. Always wear protective clothing and a good mask or respirator when working with insulation. Also, make sure there is a piece of plywood or another supporting member on top of the rafters in an unfinished attic because ceiling drywall is not rated for adequate weight to stand on.

Effective attic insulation saves homeowners money on monthly heating and A.C. bills while protecting the attic’s structural integrity by helping to control moisture. At Blue Nail Roofing, we have been insulating attics for over a decade. Our insulation technicians are thoroughly trained in all insulation types and completely respectful of your home and family.

What Insulation Is Best For Your Needs?

Fiberglass batts are typically used in new construction or where there is not existing attic space insulation between the joists. Fiberglass insulation is generally packaged in rolls that come in standard thicknesses and widths, usually 16 inches and 24 inches, to fit between joists or studs in a house’s framing. They come with or without a paper or foil facing that acts as a radiant vapor barrier and improves the R-value. Fiberglass is also naturally resistant to pests and mold. 

Loose-fill insulation is packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth using special machinery and is best for:

• Attics with irregular or nonstandard joist spacing.
• Attics with obstructions.
• Attics where there is existing insulation.
• Low-clearance attics with limited headroom.

Loose-Fill Attic Insulation in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex 

This especially-durable type of attic insulation goes by many names, such as loose fill, spray on, or blown-in insulation. Whatever you wish to call it, spray attic insulation reaches deeply into cracks and cervices, that traditional foam roll fiberglass simply can’t protect against.

  • Can helps reduce home heating & cooling bills.
  • Provides a more comfortable interior atmosphere.
  • Loose fill insulation is the longest-lasting .
  • Made from safe, non-toxic materials.
  • Penetrates deep into fine gaps for a tight seal.
  • An affordable upgrade from foam insulation rolls. 

Energy Savings From Attic Insulation

At least as important as saving heat in the winter is saving on air conditioning costs in summer. Some new construction and many older homes are under-insulated. In some cases, you may choose to exceed local building codes to reduce your energy costs further. A qualified professional can help you determine what adequate insulation is for your application. Among the considerations of energy efficiency in your residence is heat flow through your house. A professional evaluation can determine how best to gain energy star level ratings and determine what material is most cost-effective with infrared imaging. Heat loss from living spaces can be significantly reduced depending on the insulation material, square footage of the home, and the manufacturer’s recommend installation. But in warmer climates, keeping heat out of the house is just as important, and attic space vents are essential. Besides reducing trapped heat, roof vents prevent condensation and may minimize ice dams. Roof vents and ridge vents are effective for reducing trapped heat in places where there is a lot of moisture and heat in summer and cold in winter. Active temperature-controlled venting can make a huge difference in moving heat out of the attic space and preventing moisture intrusion while not losing dry warmth from sunny winter days. Ask Blue Nail Roofing about active temperature-controlled attic venting for substantial energy savings and moisture control. 

Why Choose Blue Nail for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Attic Insulation?

In the video below, Blue Nail’s team of attic insulation techs take you through one of our recent attic insulation projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Get in touch to learn more about what sets our process apart and how it benefits homeowners in the long run.

When It Comes to Attic Insulation, Call a Proven Expert

As demonstrated in the video, there’s more to it than simply laying down a layer of insulation.  Before replacing all of the old, nasty, potentially toxic fiberglass material, we installed new baffles to help expedite free airflow through the soffit channels to the roof.  Not only does it help insulate better, it also helps protect the new insulation that’s been installed.

Sadly, many of today’s so-called professional attic insulators are better at talking a big game than they are at properly insulating a home’s attic. With so much depending on the integrity of this multi-critical structure, it just isn’t worth taking chances.  At Blue Nail, we’ve been insulating residential attics in Dallas-Fort Worth TX and the surrounding region for over a decade.  Our staff of professional Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex attic insulators brings years of experience to every job. We’ve insulated every type of attic, and have a keen insight for homes in and around the greater Dallas area. We use the safest and most effective materials available, a meticulous installation process and leading-edge technology to ensure a flawless job.

Affordable Insulation Services

We understand that in today’s economy, having your attic insulated can sometimes fell more like a luxury.  That’s why we at Blue Nail work tirelessly to offer genuine value-based solutions to meet every budget.

Leading-edge Insulation Technology

Part of what makes us the #1 attic insulators in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is the technology and equipment we utilize.  This includes state-of-the-art insulation sprayers, leak detection and materials.

If it’s been some time since you’ve given your attic the attention it regularly needs, we invite you to call and discover why more homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area continue to put their faith in our expertise and honesty.  Get answers, rates or start a free estimate by calling Blue Nail Enterprises today at  855-255-1975 or email us thorough our contact page to get a free consultation on attic insulation for your home.

RESOURCES
Blue Nail Roofing has a Master Elite contractor status awarded by the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, GAF. Only 2% of contractors in the U.S. meet the rigorous standards to achieve this status, which means you can rest assured you are making a good choice when selecting the professionals at Blue Nail to execute your home and business roofing repairs. Call today to schedule a professional evaluation!
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