Thermal barrier, envelope, conduction — these are some of the foreign terms homeowners must face when dealing with an attic insulation upgrade in an older home. Even if you don’t entirely understand how insulation works or what conduction means, it’s worth upgrading attic insulation. Here’s what you should know about attic insulation if your home is older.
The proof
The Center for Cultural Sustainability, College of Architecture, recommends that homeowners concentrate on four primary upgrades when retrofitting an older home for comfort and efficiency. Insulation just happens to be one of them. (The Center also recommends installing a radiant barrier, sealing and insulating ductwork, and ventilating the attic.)
Not only is the attic a great place to achieve energy savings, but it’s also a space that’s easily accessible. Further, while some upgrades in older homes may require adjusting or destroying historical materials or components, upgrading attic insulation doesn’t.
Temperature matters
The greatest difference in temperature exists between the attic and the outdoors in warmer (and colder) climates during the summer. Heat in the home rises and gathers in the attic, often reaching a blazing 150 degrees. Solar radiation is also high here. Together with the stack effect of rising heat, an inefficient attic space leads to high energy consumption and poor home comfort.
Focusing retrofit efforts on this space results in more than just energy savings. As heat buildup in the attic decreases and an effective layer of insulation prevents hot air from moving into the living spaces, you’ll experience a comfortably cooled home in which it’s enjoyable to spend time. You and your household will feel free to live life as usual and trust that your home is a safe haven from heat.
For more information about attic insulation upgrades, contact USA Insulation today! We’re happy to provide an insulation consultation or advice about insulation types.
