8 Benefits to Improving the Insulation in Your Attic Crawl Space or Loft
Insulating your entire attic or loft enhances both energy efficiency and overall comfort in your home. During the winter, take notice of the rooms of your home that feel drafty and cold. Focus on both the basement, which affects the floors, and the ceiling insulation alike. Reluctant to invest in your attic space? You're not alone, but there are more than a couple of reasons you should prioritize having adequate insulation up above.
How Does Attic Insulation Improve Your Home?
1. Improves Energy Efficiency
You might balk at attic insulation costs and turn a blind eye to your current insulation, but at the end of the day, an Energy Star-rated attic makes for a very energy-efficient home. Insulating the floor joists in the attic crawl space acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat loss during winter and heat gain in summer. This translates to an overall improvement in energy costs.
The Most Popular Types of Insulation Material Include:
Blown-in insulation (use an insulation blower to apply loose-fill cellulose insulation)
Spray foam insulation
Fiberglass batt insulation (*unfaced fiberglass insulation rolls are an affordable option)
Mineral wool insulation
Rigid foam insulation (insulated panels fit between the joists on floors)
Related: How to Get Your Crawl Space Ready for Winter
2. Regulates Temperature
Beyond energy savings, proper insulation plays a pivotal role in helping your home maintain a comfortable temperature. Having a consistent temperature can minimize the need for drastic thermostat adjustments throughout the day and at night.
3. Reduces Noise
All adequate insulation types go beyond temperature regulation. Premium attic insulation material absorbs and dampens sound, reducing the transmission of noise from outside and minimizing sound travel between different levels of the house.
4. Prevents Ice Dams
In colder climates prone to freezing temperatures, putting insulation into the joist space of your attic crawl space can safeguard against the formation of ice dams caused by snow and ice. By maintaining a uniform roof temperature, you can minimize the risk of damage from moisture.
Related: These 3 Bad Things Can Happen When You Keep Leaves on Your Roof
5. Extends the Lifespan of HVAC Systems
It's no surprise that insulation professionals are often cross-trained in improving other home systems. The strain on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is reduced when the attic floor has a layer of warm insulation product. This reduced workload improves the heat transfer and contributes to the extended lifespan of these systems, decreasing the frequency of repairs and replacements.
6. Enhances Comfort in Living Spaces
Properly insulated attic floors ensure even distribution of conditioned air. Inadequate insulation of the joists on floors is an issue. Use insulation in attics to eliminate the presence of hot or cold spots in different areas of your home. The level of blanket insulation directly correlates to having a more uniformly comfortable environment.
7. Provides Moisture Control
Insulation acts as a barrier against moisture infiltration. By preventing excess humidity from seeping into the home, it reduces the risk of mold growth, wood rot, and other issues associated with damp conditions.
8. Increases Property Value
Homebuyers increasingly seek energy-efficient features, and if you're planning to sell, potential buyers will love seeing that your home has an adequate layer of insulation in the attic crawl space. Real estate agents will be quick to point out its value and help buyers understand how insulation enhances the comfort of a home.
