A well-insulated attic prevents air from escaping the home and outside air from coming in. Before you insulate or improve the existing insulation in your attic, it is important to weed out common myths and misconceptions about it. Here, a residential roof replacement debunks three of them.
Myth 1: Homes in warm climates don’t need attic insulation.
Many people think insulation is all about trapping heat inside a home, and for this reason, they assume that homes in warm climates don’t need attic insulation at all. However, proper insulation acts as a barrier against heat too, preventing hot air in the attic from circulating back to the living space during summer months. If you live in a place with warmer weather, insulation levels between R-30 and R-60 are the most ideal.
Myth 2: A well-insulated attic prevents seal leaks.
While insulation can’t protect against seal leaks alone, there are some types of insulation that do a better job at helping prevent leaks than others. Sprayed foam, for example, acts as a good insulator and sealer. A separate vapor barrier should also be installed to make sure your attic is properly sealed. If you’re worried about wasting energy due to a leak in the attic, let a roof repair technician inspect the condition of the vapor barrier.
Myth 3: Insulation is all you need to improve the performance of your HVAC system.
This might be a grand idea, but attic insulation isn’t a miracle cure for your HVAC’s poor performance. While it does allow your heating or cooling system to run more efficiently, you need to take additional steps to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Cleaning ductwork, replacing drafty windows and doors and closing drapes in the sunniest part of the house can all help improve your HVAC system’s efficiency.
Sully-Jones Roofing is here to make sure your attic insulation is in top condition. Call (619) 655-3424 or fill out our online form to get in touch with one of our certified residential and commercial roofing experts. We proudly serve clients in Chula Vista, CA, and other nearby areas.