Contractors in Virginia – What’s the Best Attic Insulation for Your Home?

If you’re worried about escalating home energy bills (and who isn’t?) one of the best ways to cut those costs is to insulate your attic. According to energy experts, nearly 45 percent of a home’s heat can be lost through an un-insulated attic. That lost heat can increase annual energy bills by almost 30 percent. When addressing energy concerns during home remodeling, Fairfax, Va. residents would be wise to consider insulating their attic.

But what kind of attic insulation is best for your particular home? The answer might depend on several factors including whether your house is being newly constructed or is an already-existing structure, how your attic is constructed, the type of material that the attic is comprised of, how the attic is being used and whether the attic already has some form of insulation. These factors are why it’s important to consult with a building contractor when deciding on attic insulation.

Here are a few types of insulation available for a house remodeling:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation generally comes in rolls that are typically cut to fit in-between the average house frame. The rolls, also called batts, come in either 15 or 23 inches in width and can be placed on the walls or floors of the attic. A home contractor can install the fiberglass rolls to ensure that it provides an effective barrier.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation installation requires a special machine to blow the material into the attic frame, which means a professional contractor should be hired to perform this type of house renovation. Cellulose insulation is great for attics with unusual configurations because it can get into those difficult-to-reach spaces and small areas that fiberglass rolls cannot.

Polyurethane

Like cellulose, polyurethane is also a type of insulation that has to be sprayed into the attic. Polyurethane molds itself to the frame of the attic, filling in almost every crevice and providing some of the most complete insulation available. This type of insulation is recommend if you plan to use your attic as a living space (bedroom, den, etc.).

When it comes to attic insulation and home remodeling, Fairfax, Va. residents would be wise to consider the special needs and structure of their home before deciding on a specific type of insulation. But no matter what type of insulation is chosen, it’s still a great way to cut your energy bills down to size.