Attic Insulation
Heat passes very quickly through a poorly insulated attic, whether by heat loss in the winter or heat gain in the summer. Your home may need an attic insulation upgrade if you notice rooms beneath the attic are too hot in the summer or cold in the winter, high electric or heating bills, cold drafts in certain parts of the home in winter, having less than the required R-value of insulation, or exposed attic duct work. Many homes often have only 9 inches of attic insulation (or less!), roughly an R-19, in areas of Michigan that are recommended to have an R-49 or higher. This was often due to cost savings during construction and the fact that heating costs were much lower than they are today.
50% of a typical home's energy use is attributable to heating and cooling, and the attic has a major impact on your heating and cooling efficiency. After having a free estimate with E3, we will be able to inspect and help you understand the issues that your attic may have. We will be able to provide you with information and a quote to fix any problems that we may find including issues with: insulation, air leaks, soffit vents, attic fans, recessed lighting, attic access/hatch, and any duct work or HVAC equipment located in the attic.
Attic insulation options E3 provides:
Attic insulation projects with E3 include the following:
For the Mid-Michigan area it is recommended that homes have somewhere between an R-49 and R-60 insulation level in their attic (please see the map below for your recommended R-value). Upgrading your attic insulation also includes air sealing of all wiring, plumbing and lighting fixtures/penetrations as well as proper vent & blocking.
Benefits of Increase Your Attic Insulation:
50% of a typical home's energy use is attributable to heating and cooling, and the attic has a major impact on your heating and cooling efficiency. After having a free estimate with E3, we will be able to inspect and help you understand the issues that your attic may have. We will be able to provide you with information and a quote to fix any problems that we may find including issues with: insulation, air leaks, soffit vents, attic fans, recessed lighting, attic access/hatch, and any duct work or HVAC equipment located in the attic.
Attic insulation options E3 provides:
- Cellulose, a green product that is resistant to fire or mold
- Blown-in fiberglass insulation
- Airkrete Injection Foam - 100% fireproof, environmentally friendly, open cell product
- Spray foam insulation, which forms a thermal and air barrier when applied
Attic insulation projects with E3 include the following:
- Air sealing - a major part of your home's attic efficiency. Plumbing and wiring penetrations, lighting fixtures (including recessed lighting) and duct work will be air sealed and insulated properly to prevent heat loss/gain throughout the home.
- Proper vent and blocking - most homes have soffit venting and will require a replacement or installation of venting and blocking throughout the attic. Venting allows air to travel over the insulation while blocking prevents air from moving through the insulation. Good air flow is important to a well functioning attic but it is important to make sure that air flow is directed above the insulation.
- Attic hatch encapsulation and insulation - Another important area of the attic to look at is the hatch. Upgrading your attic insulation should also include the attic hatch. We will encapsulate around the hatch to prevent insulation from falling each time the attic needs to be accessed. We will then insulate the hatch to an R-49, if possible, with 1 inch foam board. We will then install weatherstripping around the hatch to provide an adequate air seal.
For the Mid-Michigan area it is recommended that homes have somewhere between an R-49 and R-60 insulation level in their attic (please see the map below for your recommended R-value). Upgrading your attic insulation also includes air sealing of all wiring, plumbing and lighting fixtures/penetrations as well as proper vent & blocking.
Benefits of Increase Your Attic Insulation:
- Thermal protection that helps to keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer
- Good acoustic protection to block outside noise and segregate internal noise
- Helps to lower energy bills by preventing heat loss and gain throughout the building
- Helps to reduce energy use in buildings and your carbon footprint
