Attic insulation is typically associated with warm regions and house cooling. Meanwhile, attic winter insulation is also necessary to keep your homes warm and cool when necessary.
Radiant barrier or foil insulation in the ceiling helps the roof reflect solar heat in hot climes. This is beneficial for homes with asphalt roofing that absorbs sunlight and few trees to give shade.
When it comes to an understanding the function of insulating your attic for the winter, know that attics lose their vigour over time. Heat can escape through uninsulated attics, which is why insulation is best for the cold months. For this, fibreglass or cellulose insulation is utilized in place of foil.
Read on to discover more.
Real-World Advice on Winter Attic Insulation
Mould, vermin, and degradation may all wreak havoc on attic insulation. Your trained professionals should be able to remove any damaged or degraded insulation before installing new attic insulation. When it comes to insulating your attic for winter, it is best to consult professionals for their advice.
More than degradation, air leaks can reduce the efficiency of attic insulation. Insulated but not airtight homes and attics lose energy!
An energy audit may reveal the need for additional insulation outside the attic. It starts your home on the road to energy efficiency. As such, install insulation right away to cut your winter energy expenditures.
Best Insulation for Cold Climate Homes
Nothing would inspire people to insulate their homes more than the recent arctic vortex that hit most of Canada and the northern United States. Insulation is essential during winters with temperatures as low as forty degrees below zero and “record-breaking” wind chills to make homes safe, and heating expenses cheap.
Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, and other states had temperatures lower than Alaska, the North and South Poles, Mount Everest, and Mars. If we exclude this unusual weather event, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, and the Dakotas all have near-zero average annual lows. It is sufficient to raise winter heating and energy expenditures while decreasing home comfort.
Here are the different types of residential insulation appropriate for cold climate homes:
- R-Value
Prior to installing northern climate insulation, R-Value must be discussed. The heat flow resistance of insulating materials is a quantifiable property. The location determines the type and R-value of insulation.
Colder temperatures need an R-Value greater than 49 and a thickness of 16-18 inches. The R-Value is 2.7 per inch. Higher R-Values indicate better insulation.
- Fibreglass
This insulation material is widely available in various sizes. Loose-fill fibreglass insulation with an R-value of 60 is ideal for chilly areas. It will not lose its energy-saving properties over time, will lower the load on your attic floor, will not rot or decay, will be environmentally friendly, and will not promote mould, insects, or rodents.
- Blown-In Cellulose
In colder climates, cellulose insulation with an R-Value of 49 placed via blowing is preferable. It works in all conditions, although it is most effective when it is cold. It works well in ceilings, exposed wall cavities, unfinished attic floors, and other hard-to-reach regions.
- Spray-Foam
Spray foam insulation is more expensive than batt insulation but has a greater R-value (3.5 to 6.5 per inch). Because it cures to establish an air barrier, it can also eliminate the need for caulking. It expands to fill all available areas as a liquid, efficiently sealing fractures, holes, and air leaks. After it has been transformed into firm foam insulation, it can be sliced.
Blanket, roll, and batt insulation are often used in attics. These are ineffective. They are transportable and erectable, but they are easily compacted, moist, and mouldy. These can lose up to 50% of their potency, making them somewhat better for warmer, drier regions.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about insulating your attic (and your home) for both the summer and winter seasons, it is time to get to work. By insulating your home, you can make your home ready and cozy for all months of the year!
Are you looking for spray foam insulation services? PolarTech Spray Foam is here to provide you with excellent insulation services. Get a quote from us today!
