Just like most people, you probably don’t think about insulation until it’s cold outside and your heating bill skyrockets. But did you know that insulation can save you money all year round? In this blog article, we’ll discuss attic insulation costs and how they may assist you in keeping your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer seasons. We’ll also discuss some benefits of installing attic insulation in your home!
How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost?
The cost for attic insulation varies depending on what type you buy, how much material you need, and whether or not it will be blown into place by a contractor or installed manually.
Current average costs to properly insulate your attic can range from $1 to $5 per square foot, including materials and labor. Therefore, an average home attic insulation job out of pocket is generally between $1,600 and $2,500, including material and labor. Furthermore, smaller homes can be less and larger homes can be considerably larger.
How Much Does Attic Insulation Save?
When it comes to saving money year-round, attic insulation is one of the most cost-efficient investments you can make. The Department of Energy estimates that homeowners should expect to see an average monthly savings of 10-50% on their energy bills with a properly insulated attic. So depending on your climate, insulation could pay for itself in less than a year.
Estimating Your Savings
If your attic is not correctly insulated, take your monthly energy bill and multiply it by 10% and 50%. Somewhere between those two numbers is what you can expect to see come off your monthly energy spending.
That means that, in many cases, attic insulation can pay for itself in less than a year to just a couple of years. However, did you know over 90% of homes are not insulated properly? Properly insulating your attic truly is one of the most cost-efficient first home improvements you can make.
Do insulation contractors have specialties?
Yes, insulation contractors specialize in different types of insulation. For example, some contractors install only loose-fill, and others only batt insulation. Others offer both services, and some do them well, while others don’t perform either service very well. For example, suppose you’re looking for a contractor to install new insulation or repair damage caused by moisture or pests. In that case, we recommend a contractor who is willing and capable of removing existing insulation first.
Attic Insulation Cost Factors
As with most home improvement projects, your costs will vary based on your needed amount of insulation, air leaks needing air foamed, and the number of required baffles over all your soffit channels. Your attic insulation should be lightweight, with a high “R” value, and should repel moisture.
In addition, the cost of your insulation will depend on the insulation contractor. Many insulation contractors are out there, but not all of them know how to install attic insulation that can help you save money in the long run. It would help if you looked for an insulation contractor with years of experience and stellar customer reviews.
Another thing to consider is whether or not your attic needs to be repaired before it can be insulated. Suppose your attic is in good shape and there is no damage to the insulation. In that case, installation should be relatively easy and inexpensive.
Amount of Insulation Needed for the attic
The “R” value determines the amount of insulation needed in the attic you need for your insulation. The higher the R-value, the more insulating power it will have and the better it will keep out the heat in winter and cold in summer. So, suppose you live in colder areas such as Indiana. In that case, you will need insulation with a high “R” value of 60. Indiana code is R49, but if you are looking for maximum energy efficiency, R60 is where you want to be.
The more insulation needed for your attic, the more costly you can expect your attic insulation install to be but also your monthly savings!
Many contractors offer insulation services for homes and businesses. However, not all of them have the experience needed to provide you with satisfactory attic insulation services. Before hiring an insulation contractor to do your job, find out more.
R-Value
The R-value measures a material’s resistance to heat flow and is expressed as “inches of R-value per inch.” The higher the number, the greater its insulating power, so thicker insulation has higher R-values. A high R-value insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the wider the insulation, the higher its R-value.
Baffles
Baffles are a type of chute providing either warm or cold air to flow in from your soffit vents and out of your ridge or box vents on your roof. Baffles also help ensure you have proper airflow into your attic space so that your home doesn’t become an oven or icebox.
Attic insulation baffles are generally foam, cardboard, PVC, or plastic. Baffles come in single or double wide sizes depending on the joist width will determine which you will need. Baffles are pretty inexpensive, ranging from $1 to $3.
Attic Remediation or Replacement Cost
The average cost to remove attic insulation runs between $1 o $3 per square foot. If your insulation is in poor condition, you may need attic remediation or replacement to increase the “R” value and improve your home’s insulation. Attic remediation is repairing or replacing damaged insulation. In contrast, attic replacement is removing the old insulation and installing new insulation.
Both attic remediation and replacement can be expensive. Still, they can also be a great way to improve the efficiency of your home and save on energy costs. Before deciding whether or not to have attic remediation or replacement done, it is crucial to consider the cost and benefits of each option.
Cost Benefits of Insulating Your Attic
Insulating your attic can offer several cost benefits, including:
- Reduced Heating and Cooling Costs: Insulating your attic can help reduce your heating and cooling costs by keeping the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer.
- Increased Home Value: A well-insulated home is more energy-efficient and more valuable on the housing market.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: By insulating your attic, you can help protect your roof from weather damage and extend its lifespan.
- Reduced Energy Consumption: Insulated homes use less energy than non-insulated homes, which leads to fewer emissions from power plants.
Better Air Quality and Comfort Level
Insulating your attic can also improve your home’s air quality and comfort level. By keeping the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, you can help to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home year-round. Additionally, insulation can help to protect your home from weather damage and extend the lifespan of your roof.
HVAC Longevity
One of the benefits of insulating your attic is that it can help prolong your HVAC system’s life. Insulated homes use less energy than non-insulated homes, which means that the HVAC system does not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can lead to longer-lasting and more reliable HVAC systems.
Insulating your attic can help to increase the value of your home. The energy efficiency of well-insulated homes is more attractive to potential buyers, which means that you will be able to sell your home at a higher price or for more money than comparable homes without insulation.
Signs You Need Attic Insulation
There are several signs that you may need attic insulation, including:
-Your energy bills are high
-Your home is challenging to keep cool or warm
-You have ice dams on your roof
-Your attic is drafty
-The insulation in your attic is wet, damaged, or moldy
Increased Utility Bills
If your energy bills are high, it may be because your home is not adequately insulated. Insulating your attic can help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, reducing energy costs. Additionally, insulating your attic can help protect your home from weather damage and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Icicles on the Roof
If you notice icicles on the roof, it may be a sign that you need to have your attic insulation replaced. Icicles form when melted snow or rain accumulates and freezes on the top. If there is not enough insulation in your attic, the warm air in your home will escape, and the roof will be colder, which will cause the water to freeze and form icicles.
Uneven Temperatures
When the temperature in your home is uneven, it may be because your attic is not adequately insulated. Insulating your attic can help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, leading to more consistent temperatures throughout your home. Additionally, insulation can help to protect your home from weather damage and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Drafts
If you notice that there are drafts in your home, it may be because your attic is not adequately insulated. Insulating your attic can help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, leading to reduced energy costs and a more comfortable temperature throughout your home. Additionally, insulation can help to protect your home from weather damage and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Worn Attic Insulation
If your attic insulation is wet, damaged, or moldy, it may be time to replace it. Wet, damaged, or moldy insulation can lead to several problems in your home, including decreased energy efficiency, increased utility bills, and even health problems. Additionally, suppose your attic insulation is worn out. In that case, it may not be doing its job correctly and need to be replaced.
Why is Owens Corning ProCat Fiberglass Install Best?
Owens Corning is a trusted name in insulation. Their ProCat fiberglass insulation is a leader in the attic insulation market. ProCat is made of high-quality fiberglass that will keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, and it is available in a variety of thicknesses to meet your specific needs. Additionally, Owens Corning offers a 50-year warranty on all ProCat products, so you can ensure that you are getting a quality product.
Installing attic insulation can help increase the value of your home by making it more energy-efficient. Contact Crossroads Roofing today to learn more about their ProCat fiberglass insulation and see if it is suitable for your home.
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