Why High R-Value Attic Insulation is Important for Energy Efficiency

If you live in an area where temperatures fall well below freezing during the winter months like we do in Maryland and Virginia, you might have trouble keeping your home warm. Several culprits can contribute – single pane windows, poorly sealed windows and doors, and even vaulted ceilings play a factor. Another big contributor is your home’s attic insulation.

Heat Rises

The laws of physics tell us that heat rises. It stands to reason then that any heat generated through the vents in your floor will make its way to your ceilings. If your home is 2 or more stories, you know that your upper level is warmer than your lower levels. Eventually that heat makes its way to your attic, and if your attic insulation is lacking, the heat escapes through your roof.

Many homes come with standard roll-out insulation in the attic. That’s should be sufficient, right? To know for sure, we need to know about R-Value.

What is R-Value for Insulation?

R-Value is a measurement given to insulation. The R in R-Value means Resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the more resistance. Standard roll-out insulation with thicknesses of between 3.5- to 14-inches have an R-Value between R-11 and R-19. Blown-in insulation offers higher R-Values depending on how many inches are installed. 

How Much Insulation Do I Need?

The Department of Energy (DOE) published recommended R-Value ratings for various climate zones throughout the United States. Below is their published chart. Homes in Maryland and Virginia fall into Zone 4, with recommended R-Value ratings between R-38 and R-60.

Source: https://www.energystar.gov/

At S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows, we recommend approximately 16 inches of Owens Corning AttiCat blown-in insulation, which can save you up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs.* This level of insulation provides an R-Value of R-49. As you can see, compared to roll-out insulation at R-11 – R-19, blown-in insulation offers exceptional heat flow resistance. In addition to fiberglass insulation providing energy efficiency, it is non-combustible and non-corrosive, provided added safety.

How You Can Increase Energy Efficiency

To find out more about how blown-in attic insulation can help with your energy costs, contact the experts at S&K. Our team will remove your existing roll-out insulation and install the proper level of blown-in insulation. Best of all, in most cases your new attic insulation will be in place, saving you money in just a few hours. Contact us today at 866-836-7663, or click here to schedule your free attic insulation estimate. 

* https://www.energystar.gov. Savings vary. Find out why in the seller’s fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.