Author: Kevin

Whether you’re a staunch environmentalist or just looking to save on your heating bills, improving your home’s energy efficiency can reap countless benefits. Energy efficiency helps keep the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere at a minimum while maximizing your savings. 

You may think that improving energy efficiency means undertaking a complete home makeover. Good news—there are several ways to go green without breaking your back or the bank.

Keep reading to discover some tried-and-true tips to save energy throughout your home, that may involve insulation installation. 

Step 1: Learn How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption

The best way to improve home efficiency is to lower energy use in the first place. Here’s how.

Opt for Energy Efficient Appliances

Have you ever seen the ENERGY STAR logo on a kitchen appliance? ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that aims to help consumers reduce energy usage.¹

If that blue star is absent from your equipment, it could be time to look into upgrades. Walk through your house and take notice of the age and energy ratings of each of these appliances:

• Water heater
• Refrigerator
• Freezer
• Oven
• Washer
• Dryer
• Air conditioner
• Furnace
• Dishwasher

As a rule of thumb, if any of your equipment is more than 10-15 years old, you should consider updating it. Technological advances have made even entry-level modern appliances more efficient than the laundry machines of old.

While there is an initial investment for a new fridge or stove, you’ll ultimately save in the long run. The average homeowner can see energy savings of $500 or more per year by switching to energy efficient appliances.²

Change Your Lightbulbs

How much energy could a tiny lightbulb use? As it turns out, quite a bit. Around 11% of your energy budget goes toward lighting your living space.³

An easy, affordable way to reduce energy expenditure is to replace your old light bulbs with LEDs. LED bulbs consume up to 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs.⁴

Take Control of Your Thermostat

Coming home to a toasty living room in the winter sounds like a dream. But running the furnace all day to achieve that cozy goal can drive up your utility bill.

The solution? A programmable thermostat.

With a programmable thermostat, you don’t need to run your heater 24/7 to keep your house warm and cozy. Smart thermostats can automatically regulate the temperature of your home. You can schedule how warm or cool you want your house throughout the day, and your heating system will turn itself on and off as needed to attain your optimal temperature. 

Simply program your thermostat to come on 45 minutes before you wake up or return home from work, and you’ll enjoy a perfect climate inside no matter the season—no wastage required.

Step 2: Assess Your Home for Energy Efficiency Opportunities

Upgrades to your air conditioning, furnace, and lighting is only half the battle. If the air you’re paying to cool or heat won’t stay inside, you’re back to square one.

To fully reap the benefits from your appliance updates, you have to tackle some larger projects. There are two areas of your home to prioritize when looking to curb energy loss.

Improve Your Insulation

Keeping your home well insulated from external factors is another surefire way to increase efficiency, along with knowing how to cool an attic. Insulating your home’s exterior walls allows you to lower energy use for heating and cooling, as your conditioned air won’t escape. 

Your attic, basement, or crawlspace could also be the reason for inefficient temperature regulation. Even if you don’t spend much of your time in these areas, they can still let that cold air in, and you should look to install insulation there to keep your energy costs down.

By insulating and sealing these oft-overlooked spots, you could reduce your total energy usage by up to 11%.⁵ Which is the main goal and purpose of insulation. 

Evaluate Your Windows and Doors

Did you know that 10-20% of your annual energy spending could be going out the window? We mean that literally.¹ Inefficient doors and windows are some of the main culprits behind energy inefficiency, especially in older homes.

To improve your home efficiency, try:

• Sealing air leaks – By caulking, weather-stripping, or air sealing your attic, along with drafty windows, doors, and fireplaces, you can keep outside air out and inside air in. Be sure to look for air leaks around your ducts, too.
• Adding window coverings – Glass is the weak point in your home’s protection from external temperatures. Shades, blinds, and shutters provide an extra layer of insulation.
• Replacing your windows – If your home is fitted with single-pane windows, you may want to switch them for more efficient glazed windows, gas-filled options, or double- or triple-paned glass.

Insulate Yourself From Rising Energy Bills with Attic Construction

With energy prices on the rise, there’s never been a better time to improve your home’s efficiency.⁶ Protecting the planet and your savings is a no-brainer, and one of the least intrusive, most cost-effective ways is installing insulation in your attic.

Have you been searching for “insulation installation near me” in Orange County? Perhaps in the Phoenix area? Our expert team is well-versed on the importance of insulation and providing the absolute best customer service. We also offer services like insulation installation, pest-proofing, and attic cleaning in Orange County, San Diego, or Phoenix. So whether you’re looking to keep your attic cooler or warmer, drop us a line for a free estimate. Together, we can reduce your energy usage in no time.

Sources: 

1. ENERGY STAR. What is ENERGY STAR. https://www.energystar.gov/about
2. National Resources Defense Council. Energy Efficiency: The Clean Facts. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/energy-efficiency-clean-facts#examples 
3. Energy.gov. Why Energy Efficiency Upgrades. https://www.energy.gov/eere/why-energy-efficiency-upgrades 
4. Energy.gov. Rise and Shine: Lighting the World with 10 Billion LED Bulbs. https://www.energy.gov/articles/rise-and-shine-lighting-world-10-billion-led-bulbs 
5. ENERGY STAR. Methodology for Estimated Energy Savings from Cost-Effective Air Sealing and Insulating. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/methodology 
6. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Wholesale electricity prices trended higher in 2021 due to increasing natural gas prices. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=50798# 

Whether you’re building a new home from the ground up or looking to improve your current house, you may have a burning question on your mind: What is the purpose of insulation?

The short answer? While the main purpose is to create comfortable temperatures in your home, Insulation also allows you to spend less on heating by keeping energy usage down.

The long answer? Well, you could always call your local insulation contractor, or continue reading for a more detailed answer.

What Insulation Does

It’s easy enough to say that insulation regulates the temperature in your home, to save money and energy. But how? 

In order to understand what insulation does and how to cool an attic efficiently, it’s important to first understand one key principle of thermodynamics (don’t worry, we’ll keep it short and sweet). It boils down to this—heat moves naturally towards cooler areas. In the warmer months, heat tries to enter your home, while in the winter, it tries to exit your home.¹

Essentially, insulation of all kinds hinders the heat flow in and out of a building. Insulation acts as a barrier to slow the transfer of heat energy from one place to another. Since less air is entering or escaping your house, your climate control system won’t need to work as hard.

It may help to think of home insulation like a beverage koozie—you can use it to keep your cold drinks perfectly chilled and warm drinks piping hot, whatever the weather. 

The Science Behind Insulation

As you may recall from high school science class, heat moves in one of three ways:

• Convection – Warm air or liquid rises; cool air sinks. That movement creates a circular pattern known as convection. This phenomenon is why the top few inches of a pool always feel warmer.
• Conduction – Conduction is the transfer of heat in solid objects; from surface to surface. When you touch a hot pizza, you’re experiencing conductive heat.
• Radiation – Radiant heat moves in a straight line as an electromagnetic wave. Examples include heat from a raging fire or the sun’s light.

Most insulation protects predominantly against the first two types of heat.² Traditional insulation designed for this purpose can be made of various materials, including:

• Fiberglass
• Foam
• Cellulose
• Mineral wool

To impede radiant heat, you can use a reflective insulation material like aluminum; think of those metallic screens you see on the windshields of parked cars.

Each insulation material has its advantages and drawbacks, but they all fulfill the same purpose: controlling temperature by blocking heat energy.

3 Key Benefits of Insulation

By regulating your home’s internal temperature, insulation does far more than reduce your monthly energy bill. There are a handful of other reasons to increase your home’s insulation levels.

1. Improved Comfort

As mentioned, insulation conserves energy by blocking unwanted heat from entering or exiting the home. The main benefit: it makes your home more pleasant.

By keeping heat out in the summer, your insulation helps you stay cool. In the winter, insulation traps the warm air generated by furnaces and body heat, maintaining a cozy environment for you and your family.

2. Noise Reduction

When paired with high-efficiency windows, insulation can work as a method of soundproofing.³ While a layer of pink, cotton candy-like material won’t be enough to turn your home into a professional recording studio, you can still use it to greatly decrease the levels of airborne and structure-borne noise.

3. A Smaller Carbon Footprint

Conserving energy isn’t just a plus for your wallet; it’s an environmental win, too. Residential and commercial buildings consume a substantial amount of energy. By shifting toward more efficient designs in new and existing homes, we can cut emissions dramatically.

One of the easiest ways to improve new and existing builds is insulation. Because insulation helps regulate your home’s temperature, your heaters and air conditioners don’t need to run as frequently. What’s the outcome? Lower energy consumption and, as a result, fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Installing insulation is one of many ways to improve your home efficiency and save energy.

Quick Tips for Insulating Your Home

There are countless ways to conserve energy in your home using insulating materials. Let’s discuss a few of these money-saving tips.

Keep Your Attic Insulated

Unless you’ve built a secret hideaway, you probably don’t spend your leisure time in your attic. But that shouldn’t stop you from adding a layer of attic insulation to the uppermost level of your home.

Recall that air rises as it warms. If your attic isn’t insulated, where does your newly warmed travel? That’s right: up and out of the house. 

Attic insulation is an affordable, straightforward way to keep your home feeling cozy in the colder months. For additional cooling efficiency, consider air sealing your attic. 

Insulate Your Pipes

Energy loss through heat transfer doesn’t end with the air you condition. Hot water can also cool down as it travels through your pipes. When it does, you may end up:

• Wasting water by leaving the tap on longer (waiting for it to heat up)
• Using hotter water than you need (and therefore more energy)

Cover your water pipes in an insulating material, and you could see an annual energy savings of 3-4%.⁴

Install Window Treatments

When you think of home insulation, you might envision opening your walls and filling them with spray foam insulation or fiberglass batt insulation. But in reality, any material that impedes heat transfer is a form of insulation.

One way to insulate your home without donning a hard hat is to cover up your windows. Touch a wall during the winter, then touch a pane of glass. You’ll quickly feel that the (very cold) glass doesn’t insulate as well as the wall.

To counteract this phenomenon, you can hang curtains, shades, or other materials in front of your windows. These fabrics act as impermanent insulation that will regulate your home’s temperature.

Insulate Your Home with Attic Construction

Hoping to insulate your attic but not sure where to start? That’s where we come in.

At Attic Construction, we know all about insulating the top portion of your house—it’s even in our name! If you want to conserve energy, save money, make your home as comfortable as possible, get in touch with us today to get an estimate of your insulation installation cost.

Sources: 

1. Insulation Institute. How Home Insulation Works. https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-homeowner/about-insulation/how-home-insulation-works/ 
2. Energy.gov. How Insulation Works. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/insulation 
3. Attic Construction. Is Attic Insulation Soundproof? https://atticconstruction.com/blog/is-attic-insulation-soundproof/ 
4. Energy.gov. Do-It-Yourself Savings Project: Insulate Hot Water Pipes. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-insulate-hot-water-pipes 

When the warm weather comes, homeowners need a way to keep their air-conditioning costs low while maintaining a comfortable temperature in their living area. Turning down the thermostat, shutting the doors, and sealing the windows will only go so far, especially when hot air enters your home through your attic.

There’s no way around it; the typical attic is a major energy-suck, especially during the hotter months. That’s why we’re investigating how to keep an attic cool in the summer.

We’ll explore several tips, tricks, and home improvements to beat the heat. Read on to learn about the purpose of insulation and the importance of ventilation, attic fans, and more. With the right information and proper insulation installation, keeping your attic cool is no sweat. 

Air Sealing

Ready to renovate? No, we’re not talking about knocking down walls. 

Attic sealing involves plugging holes, filling gaps, and blocking air from entering your attic. Air leaks can be hard to spot, but if your house is losing cool air at record speed, it’s likely escaping from the attic. For many homeowners, answering the question “how to cool, keep attic cool, and save on energy” begins with sealing.

Whether you take on the project yourself or hire a professional team to seal your attic, you can expect the following benefits:

• Consistent temperatures – Does your living room feel like an icebox while your bedroom remains hot and humid? One common cause of inconsistent temperatures and major temperature fluctuations is an unsealed attic. Depending on the location of your leaks, some rooms may be especially drafty and open to more heat exposure.
• Less dust – Dust and dirt particles can enter your house through various gaps in your attic. Once inside, they can irritate allergies and lead to a never-ending mess. Attic sealing may help reduce all those floating bits of dust that you just can’t seem to get rid of.

Most importantly, like every tip on our list, attic sealing can increase home efficiency and lead to a lower monthly utility bill, and a more comfortable space to live in.

Attic Insulation

87% of homes throughout the US use air conditioning.¹ That means a lot of cold air is blowing. The problem is, if your attic lacks adequate insulation, that cold air is likely blowing straight out of your roof.

Attic insulation can help you retain your cool air during the summer months by creating a stronger barrier between the exterior and interior of your home. Today, there are several different types of attic insulation for homeowners to choose from, though some may be more effective than others depending on your specific situation.

Consider the following options for insulating your attic:

• Fiberglass batt – These pinkish fiberglass fibers come in rolled-up sheets and can be custom installed into attics for high-quality thermal retention. Professionals prefer this style of insulation, and it offers a consistent return on investment for homeowners. Batt installation results in minimal dust and mess and can even help reduce street noise. For many homes, it’s the ideal choice for maximum energy efficiency.
• Blown-in fiberglass – This loose-fill form of fiberglass is blown into your attic space to fill various cracks, crevices, and larger open spaces. Areas around pipes and wires may benefit from blown-in fiberglass, and the cost of this form of insulation is relatively low. This insulation may be best for irregular spaces or for filling out already insulated areas.
• Blown-in cellulose – Made from shredded newspapers, cellulose can be an appealing choice for homeowners looking for an inexpensive answer to their insulation needs. Unfortunately, cellulose is vulnerable to moisture, causing mold and mildew. Additionally, manufacturers and marketers have made inaccurate claims about the pest control benefits of cellulose and boric acid. Be wary of misinformation regarding this form of insulation.
• Spray foam – Airtight and long-lasting, this can be a viable insulation solution that may last several decades. This hard, moisture-resistant insulation can be sprayed directly into the roofline and can even strengthen your home’s structure. Be aware spray foam is a top-of-the-line material that commands a hefty price.

Attic Ventilation

Consider using physics to your advantage. As hot air rises, proper attic ventilation can assist in air circulation and overall cooling. 

Give hot attic air somewhere to go by investigating the following attic vent options:

• Static vents – A simple and inexpensive venting solution, static vents come in a variety of designs, including roofline, dormer, or eyebrow vents. With no moving parts—hence their name—these vents need to be properly installed, or they will result in unintended leaks.
• Ridge vents – Installed at the peak of your roof and outfitted to remain mostly invisible to the naked eye, a ridge vent offers a subtle way to let out superheated air from your attic. A ridge vent is designed to prevent unwanted materials from entering your attic space with an internal baffle.
• Gable vents – Typically, two gable vents are installed on the opposite ends of your attic walls. When air is following against your home, cool air will come through one vent while the other vent will act as an exhaust for hot air.

Remember, attic vents require upkeep. Clean them regularly to prevent various debris like leaves and dirt from interrupting the airflow, and repairs may be necessary if they’re damaged by inclement weather. You may need to replace older vents altogether because of rust or rot.

Attic Fans

Before air conditioning became ubiquitous in the US, a house fan was the main option for staying cool. Today, there are more efficient solutions than the traditional house fan. Attic fans are implemented alongside air conditioning systems to maximize air circulation and cooling potential.

Explore the following attic fan options to increase your home’s overall cooling efficiency:

• Gable fans – If your attic already has a ventilated gable, adding a powered fan could be a relatively simple process to increase airflow. These fans can help speed up the process of exhausting hot attic air while providing cooling benefits almost immediately.
• Roof fans – These fans require a thorough installation job to work properly. Roof fans are designed to hold up in harsh weather and provide a large ventilation output directly on top of your home. 
• Window fans – Avoid complicated installation by placing a fan in your attic window.  Air sealing an attic and insulation may increase the efficiency of these fans and prevent unintended leaks.

While attic fans use electricity, their costs are significantly lower than standard air conditioning units. Additionally, solar-powered attic fans offer homeowners an environmentally friendly way to cool their attic that could offset overall energy costs.

Reflective Insulation

If you’re wondering how to cool an attic, one of the most effective ways is to stop heat from getting in, to begin with. Reflective insulation is designed to block radiating heat from the sun and, like a mirror, reflects light.

Curious about how reflective insulation can benefit your attic? Consider how reflective insulation works:

• Radiant energy – As the sun beats down on your roof, the radiant energy heats the surface materials. That heat energy moves from the roof into the attic, heating the air, floor, ducts, and all other surfaces and objects.
• Reducing heat transfer – Reflective insulation creates a barrier between the radiant heat from the roof and the rest of your attic. Adhered to the interior walls of your attic, this form of insulation acts to reduce heat transfer. 

Studies have shown reflective insulation to reduce cooling costs by 5 to 10 percent in some homes.² That said, homeowners should note that this insulation is intended for hot climates and is ineffective against cold weather. 

Ductwork 

The purpose of ductwork is not to cool down your attic but this is something to consider, as improperly installed ductwork can cause air leaks that can prevent cooled air from being transferred throughout your home and seeping into the attic instead. 

When considering your heating, cooling, and ventilation system, you’re likely to think about your furnace or air conditioner without considering the ductwork that extends throughout your home or attic space. Although ductwork  channels for airflow are a major element in your home’s overall energy efficiency. 

Consider the following factors relating to ductwork and how it could be affecting your home’s climate:

• Losing cool air – Research from the National Renewable Energy Lab has shown that ductwork can add 25 percent to the overall cooling load of your home.³ Because of improper installation and sealing, you could lose a quarter of what you spend on AC every month.
• Ducts attached to roof deck – In some homes, contractors make the mistake of installing attic ducts against the interior frame of your roof. In this scenario, ducts can become superheated from the roof, increasing the hot air circulating through your home. Ducts installed against your roof frame are also in danger of being punctured by roofers installing or repairing shingles.
• The lower, the better – Keeping your ducts close to the floor of your attic is ideal for cooling purposes. The further they are from the hot roof, the cooler the air circulating through them is.

Keep Your Attic Cool With Attic Construction

Optimizing your home’s energy efficiency is a complex process. You can do some of the work DIY, but it pays to consult with professionals to solve your high energy costs. If you’re ready to cool down your home and save money on monthly bills, Attic Construction is here to help.

With more than a decade of industry experience, Attic Construction provides customized solutions like pest-proofing, insulating, and attic cleaning in Orange County, San Diego, or Pheonix. You can expect world-class service, fast estimates, and even emergency support. Contact us today to explore our offerings.

Sources: 

1. US Energy Information Administration. Air conditioning accounts for about 12% of U.S. home energy expenditures. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home 
2. Energy.gov. Radiant Barriers. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/radiant-barriers 
3. Energy Vanguard. 7 Ways to Improve Ducts in an Unconditioned Attic. https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/7-ways-to-improve-ducts-in-an-unconditioned-attic/ 
4. Energy Star. Attic Air Sealing Project. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/attic_air_sealing_project 
5. Energy Star. Attic Insulation Project. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/attic_insulation_project 
6. House Logic. Passive Roof Vents: Helping Your House Breathe Easy. https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/passive-roof-vents-helping-your-house-breathe-easy/ 
7. Energy Star. About Attic Ventilation. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/do_it_yourself_guide/about_attic_ventilation 
8. Home Serve. Got Gable Vents? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Attic’s Airflow. https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/gable-vent/ 

Are things feeling a little drafty upstairs? If you’re a homeowner dealing with high energy bills and less than comfortable indoor climates, the answer to your problems may be just above your head. Before investing in high tech services and expensive ventilation systems, it’s essential that you properly seal your attic. Which can easily be done by contacting local insulation contractors.

From finding leaks to choosing materials, these tips will help you find the solutions for all your attic sealing needs. It’s time to cut your heating and cooling costs and finally put an end to your attic issues. Read on to discover how.

Tip #1 Have the Right Tools

Before delving into leaks and gaps, take note of what you’ll need to do the job.

For DIY air sealing, you’ll need the following tools:

• Caulk and caulking gun
• Hammer
• Screwdrivers
• Multitool
• Utility knife
• Coverall Suits
• Gloves
• Headlamp
• Respirator mask
• Expanding Foam

You may also need expanding foam, insulation, garbage bags, and other sealants and adhesives. Your materials depend on your leak situation.

Remember to take safety precautions when engaging in any major home project. When air sealing attic spaces, dust masks, gloves, and eye protection are essential. Stay safe.

This can be an intensive and time- consuming project, so make sure you have the bandwidth to take it on. Ultimately, it may be worthwhile to seek a professional solution. The cost to air seal attic spaces can range from the high hundreds to the low thousands depending on what’s required. 

Tip #2 Know How To Find Your Leaks

The signs of a leaky attic are hard to miss. If you’re dealing with any of the following issues, it’s likely a sign of improper attic air sealing:

• Noticeable air drafts 
• Inconsistent temperatures between rooms
• Heavy dust particles
• Increasing energy bills

While you may know you have a problem, finding the source of your attic leaks is another issue. 

Attic leaks can come from anywhere in your attic, and we’ll take you through the process of sealing each specific area, but before you can seal, you need to discover your leaks.

There are several ways to find air leaks, including:

• Visual inspections – Conduct a thorough visual search of your attic space for potential leaks. Pay close attention to your vent stacks, ductwork, attic hatch, and joists, and note where you see gaps. Additionally, trace the envelope perimeter around your attic for any spaces in the structure.
• Paper test – For doors and windows, this test can determine if additional sealing is required. Open your doors and windows, place a piece of paper below, then close. Now, try to pull the piece of paper out. If it tears, you have a tight seal, but if the paper slides out easily, you’ve found a potential source for air leakage.
• Smoke test – Before conducting a smoke test, it’s essential to turn off your fans and combustible appliances, shut your doors and windows, and wait for a breezy day. After doing so, light an incense stick and move around through your attic. You’ll know you have a leak if the smoke is blown or sucked outside.
• Light test – This test requires two people. Shine a flashlight from the interior of the attic outside and have your partner look for spots where it shines through. Additionally, you can stand in your unlit attic and look for areas on the floor where light is visible.

Tip #3 Seal Major Holes and Gaps Before the Small Ones

After assessing where your leaks are, it’s best to tackle the biggest issues first. It’s no surprise that larger holes have the propensity for letting hot air and cold air in (or out) and drastically affect your home efficiency. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to cool an attic, sealing major holes is an efficient way to keep cool air in your attic and regulate through your entire home.

Here’s where large gaps are often found:

• At the intersection of walls and floor
• In dropped ceiling areas
• Under knee walls

Frequently, homeowners benefit from stuffing open stud cavities with attic insulation. This can be done in several ways, including:

• Stuffing bags – You can cut standard fiberglass insulation into smaller pieces (each roughly 16 inches) and place them into contractor-sized trash bags.¹ These stuffing bags are ideal for squeezing snuggling into the large cavities of your attic, leaving little space for air or moisture to enter.
• Reflective foil insulation – Cover the opened frame area above your dropped ceiling with reflective insulation or a rigid foam board. Cut your material to fit snugly over the frame and use caulk, staples, or nails to connect the piece above the soffit.

Keep an eye out for dirty-looking insulation on your attic floor. Insulation can act as a kind of filter and as air and dust particles move through, some become trapped within the attic insulation. The overall purpose of insulation is to lower your heating and cooling costs, so if you’re seeing signs of dirty insulation, it may be time for a replacement. 

Tip #4 Seal Furnace Flues

The space around your chimney, furnace, or water heater flue is a point of leakage for many households, but flue sealing is more complicated than just filling holes. That’s because most building codes require at least 1 inch of clearance between metal flues and any combustible materials.¹

This can put you in a tricky situation for properly sealing your attic. Fortunately, there is a way to seal up your flue.

• Aluminum flashing – Construct an exterior shield around your flue creates a tight seal. Surround the base of the flue with custom-cut aluminum flashing, and seal the gaps where the flue and flashing meet with specialized heat-resistant caulk.¹
• Aluminum dam – After constructing the flashing, craft an aluminum dam to wrap around the flue itself. The dam will allow you to add further insulation around your flue without any insulation coming in contact with the flue. It’s a safe and effective way to strengthen your air seal.

Tip #5 Seal Areas Around Doors and Windows

Feeling a draft out of your attic window? The process of sealing attic air leaks coming from doors and windows is much different than other aspects of attic sealing. After all, you’ll still need to be able to access and open these fixtures.

Seal door and window air leakage with the following methods:

• Wood, caulk, foam – There are a variety of materials used to properly seal windows, and the choice often comes down to the severity of the air leak and the age of the windows themselves. You may choose to use caulk or foam around the interior frame of the windows or opt to remove and replace wood panels that have been damaged.
• Weatherstrip  – Apply adhesive foam weatherstrip tape around the perimeter of your attic hatch doors. This should tighten the seal while the door is shut. Additionally, consider attaching fasteners to help pull the door tightly against the weather stripping for an improved effect.²

Be careful of lead dust when dealing with older painted windows. A tight seal around your doors and windows is great, but nothing’s more valuable than your health. Take precautions and talk to an expert if you’re unsure of the potential risks.

Tip #6 Seal Ducts 

You’re on double duty with duct sealing. Both the holes where your ducts enter your attic and the ducts themselves should be sealed. Feel along the edges of the duct while your HVAC system is on to determine whether your ducts are leaking.

If you notice unwanted airflow, try these tips for sealing your ducts:

• Mastic foil tape – Wrap specialized duct sealant around the leaking area and ensure a tight seal. While you may be inclined to pick up a normal roll of duct tape, it won’t hold up, and soon you’ll be dealing with the same problem all over again.
• Insulation on top – After sealing your ducts, professionals recommend properly insulating them as well. Not only will the insulation assist with your overall energy efficiency, but high-quality foam spray can protect your ducts against possible attic air leaks for years to come.

Duct sealing can be difficult. Stepping over studs, searching for leaks, and diligently wrapping with duct sealant can be an exhaustive process, but all that work is worth it when you receive a significantly smaller utility bill.

Tip #7 Save Small Holes for Last

Before completing your air sealing project, double-check for smaller holes you have yet to plug. Expanding foam and caulk are your best options for a quick fix to your smaller attic gaps.

Pay special attention to areas like:

• Attic bypasses – Beneath your insulation, the attic electrical bypasses may transfer airflow from your living area to the attic. Lift your insulation and seal the bypass areas with a caulk to plug up any holes.
• Plumbing pipes – Don’t mistake these pipes for ventilation ducts or your flue. Plumbing pipes are typically made from PVC and don’t need specialized insulation, simply spray expanding foam or caulk into the gaps surrounding the pipe’s entrance and call it a day

Attic Construction: For All Your Attic Sealing Needs

Leaks aren’t easy, and plugging holes to control your hot air and cold air efficiency isn’t as simple as it sounds. Scrounging through the attic with a headlamp and a handful of insulation could lead to a tighter seal, but it could also be an ineffective, drawn-out process if you don’t have the time or resources. If you’d prefer to take the professional route and ensure a job well done, Attic Construction is your solution. 

For us, it’s not just about sealing but protecting your attic for the long haul. We offer services like pest-proofing, insulating, and attic cleaning in Orange County, San Diego, or Phoenix. All of our work comes with a 1-year warranty, and we take pictures of your attic to show you exactly where the project starts and where it ends. At Attic Construction, we’re interested in transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. If you’re ready to seal, contact us today.

Sources: 

1. Energy Star. A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating With Energy Star. https://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/DIY_Guide_May_2008.pdf 
2. Energy Star. Sealing Behind Window & Door Trim Project. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/sealing_window_door 
3. Energy Star. What to Look For: DIY Checks and Inspections. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/identify_problems_you_want_fix/diy_checks_inspections 

You likely inspected every corner of every room before you purchased your dream home, ensuring the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms were all up to snuff. But, did you take a peek into your attic before signing on the dotted line? 

If you’re experiencing high energy bills, temperature fluctuations, cold or hot walls, cold or hot spots in some rooms, and little to no sound dampening from room to room, patchwork insulation could be the culprit. 

In this article, we’ll explore each of these signs to help you determine whether you could be living in an under-insulated house and if you should start thinking about removing attic insulation and installing new insulation. 

#1 You Have a High Energy Bill

If you have a higher energy bill than others in your neighborhood, your house might not have adequate home insulation. 

Wall insulation’s key role—preventing heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your home to maintain conditioned air temperatures—is a significant determining factor for energy costs and yields energy efficiency.¹ When your insulation material isn’t keeping cold air inside in the summer or preventing heat loss in the winter, your HVAC system must work even harder to maintain your home’s climate. 

If your energy bill is through the roof, it’s time to look up—poor insulation could be to blame. 

#2 You Have a Hard Time Maintaining Your Home’s Temperature

As discussed in the above section, poor insulation makes it even harder for your HVAC system to maintain your desired temperature. 

Why do temperatures fluctuate? Under-insulation creates an endlessly repeating cycle:

1. Your HVAC system conditions air, warming or cooling your space.
2. That conditioned air escapes via air leak conduction.
3. Your HVAC system turns back on to compensate. 

In an under insulated house, air conditioning can more easily transfer warm air or cold air through walls, floors, and ceilings and into the attic, preventing your HVAC system from maintaining a consistent temperature. 

Another sign that you’re suffering from temperature fluctuations or under insulation is your HVAC system turning off and back on more than usual to compensate for the air leakage and heat transfer. 

#3 Your Walls, Floors, and Ceiling Are Hot/Cold

Most homes feature insulation in the following areas:²

• The walls, sandwiched between layers of drywall, plaster, bricks, or tile
• The floors, including between stories
• The attic floor

Insulation prevents heat transfer, but air conditioning will still try to conduct air through these surfaces. As a result, your walls should normally be slightly cold when you’re running the air conditioner or slightly warm when the heater is running. 

But, if your walls, floors, or ceiling are warm in the summer and cold in the winter, the house insulation could be patchy or failing in these areas which may call for some summer or winter attic maintenance. Not only could this result in conditioned air loss, but it could also make a room feel hotter in the summer and colder in the winter, especially when you’re using furniture placed against the wall. 

If you’ve noticed hot or cold walls, your home may be under-insulated. 

#4 Your Home Has Hot/Cold Spots

Insulation is only effective when installers achieve complete, continuous coverage of a surface area. But even if your insulation was installed well, insulation products degrade over time, and they’re susceptible to water and pest damage just like every material in your home. 

As insulation degrades and coverage decreases, you might notice that some rooms or small areas are colder in the winter and warmer in the summer than the rest of your home. Patchy, degraded insulation could be causing these hot/cold spots, where conditioned air is condensing through your wall or ceiling materials. 

When you replace your insulation, your hot and cold spots will disappear thanks to thorough coverage and improved materials. 

#5 Your Home is Unusually Loud

While foam insulation primarily supports temperature control in your home, it also has a secondary purpose—dampening sounds. 

Rigid foam insulation’s sound-dampening properties make sense. The foam board adds a more dense material to the insides of your walls, preventing sound from escaping or transferring into another room. 

When a home has proper insulation, sounds coming from other rooms should be: 

• Muffled
• Quiet
• Unintelligible

If you find that you can hear every word spoken, every cup placed on a counter, and every toilet flush, you might be living in an under-insulated house. 

So, adding new insulation to your home doesn’t just benefit your HVAC system and energy bill—it will also increase your privacy from room to room and create an overall quieter home. 

Attic Construction: Solving Insulation Problems Since 2011

If your home is under-insulated, your energy bill, climate control, and indoor air quality could all suffer the consequences. Patchy, old, or damaged insulation won’t effectively prevent heat and sound transfer, a problem that can only be solved by replacing your insulation. 

If you’re looking for a professional, expert team to help you diagnose your current insulation issues, recommend material and service solutions, and complete repairs and replacements efficiently, Attic Construction can help with attic insulation in San Diego, Orange County, and Phoenix. 

We’ve been helping families achieve high-quality climate control for over a decade, and our attic solutions will help you keep your home comfortable and safe. If you’re looking for more information about under insulation and potential solutions, drop Attic Construction a line today. 

Sources: 

1. Energy Star. Why Seal and Insulate? https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/why_seal_and_insulate 
2. North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. Insulation installation: Where to Insulate in Your Home. https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-homeowner/about-insulation/where-to-insulate/ 

Have you noticed a recent increase in your energy bill or changes in your home’s climate? If you’re spending more on electricity, or if you’re having trouble maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home causing you to conduct more summer or winter attic maintenance than normal, it might be time to take a long-overdue peek into your attic. 

If the insulation coating the floor of your attic is very flat, brittle, or smelly, that indicates old insulation, and it’s time for a replacement. But, how easy is removing attic insulation? 

In this article, we’ll explore every step and tool you’ll need to complete a successful old attic insulation removal and clean up. But, the process of fixing an under insulated house can be intimidating—and, in some cases, even dangerous. If your attic is off-limits for DIY projects, we’ll also provide the steps you’ll need to hire a qualified professional for insulation removal service. 

DIY Attic Insulation Removal

Removing attic insulation is a labor-intensive, multi-step process that’s usually reserved for professionals. If you plan on braving the project alone, make sure to set aside ample time,  prepare to invest in quality tools, and follow our step-by-step guide. 

Step 1: Determine Your Insulation Type

Before you dive headlong into a DIY attic insulation removal project, you’ll need to determine what kind of insulation is in your attic. There are three major home insulation types, and they’re usually easily identifiable:

• Blanket insulation, also called batt or roll insulation, will be dispersed around your attic in one layer. It’s usually affixed with paper or foil backing (which you may have to lift up from the attic floor to see, depending on the product used), and is most commonly made of fiberglass—a fluffy substance that’s usually pink. If you try to pick up a piece of insulation in your attic, and the product comes up off the floor in large, long sheets placed between the joists, you have blanket insulation.
• Loose-fill insulation, or blown-in insulation, can be made from a variety of materials, but you’re most likely to encounter fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool. When professionals install loose-fill, they use professional-grade blowing equipment to ensure even, thorough coverage of your attic floor. If you try to pick it up, and you can only pull away small clumps of fiber at a time, you have loose-fill insulation. 
• Spray foam insulation is a relatively new technology that you’re unlikely to encounter in older homes with aging insulation. It’s most commonly used in new construction and extensive renovations, and you won’t be able to pick it up or pull it away from your attic floor. It’s made from a specialized combination of foam and expanding chemicals that adhere to your attic floor, and insulation professionals use specialized equipment for this type of insulation installation.

As these descriptions might indicate, not all insulation material and products are created equal—including their difficulty to remove. 

For DIYers, batt insulation will be the easiest to remove, since it doesn’t require specialized insulation installation or removal equipment. Loose-fill insulation will be more difficult and labor-intensive to remove, and you might need to use more specialized equipment—like a shop vac—to remove it. Spray foam insulation should only be removed by professionals with access to commercial-grade equipment and safety gear. 

Step 2: Gather Materials

Once you’ve determined your insulation type, it’s time to gather the materials you’ll need for removing your attic insulation. These include: 

• Safety gear, including
  • Nitrile, latex, or thick cloth gloves
  • Eye protection, like eyeglasses or lab goggles
  • A facemask rated N95 or higher
• Bags for proper disposal, which you can request from your local waste facility
• Disposable putty knives
• A portable attic fan
• A broom
• Headlamps
• Slipcovers for your shoes
• Clothing with full skin coverage or disposable coveralls
• A shop vac or similar high-powered, wet/dry vacuum
• Pest prevention implements, like
  • Rat poison
  • Rodent and insect traps
  • Roach, ant, and wasp-killing spray

Each item on this list is crucial to successful insulation removal, and you shouldn’t start the process until you secure them all. 

Step 3: Prepare Your Attic—And Your Home

You’ll need to clear your attic of stored items, valuables, and obstructions before you begin removing insulation. 

Clear a space in your home where you can temporarily house anything that you usually store in the attic. While you have everything downstairs, it might be a convenient time to organize these items to lighten your load, decrease the time you’ll spend reloading the items into the attic, and identify any signs of potential pest infestation. 

Once your attic is empty, clear a path from the attic to the front door to prevent trips and falls and create as expeditious a route to the outside as possible. As you complete the removal, you’ll want to frequently relocate your insulation bags to the outdoors to prevent odors and dust buildup inside. 

Step 4: Remove Your Insulation

After donning your safety gear, your foot slipcovers, your coveralls, and your headlamp, it’s time to haul the rest of your supplies to the attic and climb up the ladder. There are three general steps for completing a successful old insulation removal:

1. Gather up the largest, easiest-to-remove pieces first.
2. Scrape tough areas with putty knives to completely free all insulation from the floor.
3. Spot-check, sweep, and vacuum up any additional dust or debris.

While removing the existing insulation, keep the following in mind:

• Begin running the fan before you start to increase airflow and prevent dust inhalation.
• If your gloves tear, replace them—insulation can irritate your skin.
• Watch your head to prevent bumps and other injuries.
• Safely climb up and down the ladder—fall injuries are very common in construction.
• Maintain situational awareness by using your headlamp and working without music.
• Don’t overfill your disposal bags to make them easier to transport outside.

Step 5: Eradicate and Prevent Pests

Unfortunately, insulation is a prime habitat for pests resulting in contaminated insulation. You’re likely to find at least minimal evidence of pest infiltration, so keep your pest control tools at the ready throughout the insulation removal process. 

After you complete the removal, implement pest control safeguards to prevent future infestations. Seal up potential and existing entry points, clean up pest droppings and debris, and leave traps and poison unattended for a few days to round up any straggling unwelcome visitors. 

If you’re squeamish about insects and rodents, DIY attic insulation removal isn’t for you. Instead, bring in insulation service reinforcements. 

Step 6: Prepare for New Insulation

In addition to pest control, you’ll need to complete a few other steps before replacing the insulation in your attic:

• Sweep, dust, and wipe all surfaces in your attic.
• Replace any blown-out light bulbs and complete any necessary HVAC, structural, or electrical repairs while you have access to the attic floor.
• Make an even larger path to move installation materials and equipment up to the attic—the more space, the better.

The type of insulation you want to install will determine whether or not you can complete the process yourself. While batts require careful, precise measurements to ensure full coverage, they’re the only insulation type that doesn’t require specialized equipment to install. 

Seeking Professional Help for Attic Insulation Removal

If a DIY attic insulation removal project isn’t in your wheelhouse, hiring an attic insulation professional will ensure that the project is completed swiftly, safely, and correctly. To find a professional, follow these steps.

Step 1: Gather Estimates

Requesting estimates is a typical step in the process of searching for construction-related professionals. For attic work, most companies will require an in-person consultation before issuing a price estimate, so prepare to host a few house calls in your search for the right team.

Most experts recommend seeking at least three estimates. Gathering a variety of quotes can help you compare:

• Prices
• Customer reviews
• Estimated project timelines
• Companies’ levels of professionalism

Cost is only one element of the quote collection process. The best possible company for your project is one that has a good reputation in the industry, suggests a reasonable timetable, and displays trustworthiness and professionalism. 

Step 2: Prepare for Removal

After you choose an attic professional and sign a contract, it’s time to prepare your attic for insulation removal. Luckily, preparing your attic for professional work is much less labor-intensive than prepping for a DIY removal. Simply make sure to:

• Create a clear, wide path from the attic to the nearest exit door
• Move items stored in your attic to a temporary location
• Ensure that your attic ladder is in safe, operable condition
• Create a plan for keeping your kids and pets out of the way

After following this minimal prep work, you can sit back and relax while a team of qualified professionals transforms your attic. 

Step 3: Clean Up and Enjoy!

While your professional attic insulation removal team should clean up most of the project-related debris, you’ll still have some light attic clean up to do after they complete the removal. 

There’s no way around it—construction is a dusty process. But, with a quick sweep, dust, and surface wipe, your home should be back to normal in no time. 

After cleanup, make a plan for replacing your attic insulation if you haven’t already. Whether you choose to DIY or consult with a professional, the project isn’t really complete until your home is properly insulated. 

Attic Construction: Providing Professional Attic Services for Over a Decade

Removing attic insulation isn’t a DIY project for the faint of heart. But, whether you decide to take on the labor-intensive, dirty process yourself or rely upon the expertise of attic professionals, you’ll be one step closer to an orderly, well-insulated attic space. 

If you’re seeking attic professionals who value safety, timeliness, and excellent value, look no further than Attic Construction. We’ve been providing attic cleaning, rodent-proofing, insulation removal services, and so much more since 2011, and our team’s professionalism and quality of work are second to none. 

Instead of strapping on coveralls and preparing for a dusty DIY project, call Attic Construction for a free consultation. 

Sources: 

1. US Department of Energy. Types of Insulation. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/types-insulation 
2. Insulation Contractors Association of America. Best Practices. https://www.insulate.org/bestpractices.pdf 
3. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fatal and non-fatal falls, slips, and trips in the construction industry. https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2021/fatal-and-nonfatal-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm 
4. Texas Association of Builders. Consumer Information. https://www.texasbuilders.org/about-us/consumer-information.html 

Your winter preparations list is probably already long, which can make adding yet another item to the docket seem daunting. However, winter attic maintenance is crucial to maintaining a comfortable home climate, preventing damage, and ensuring your indoor air quality. 

How do you maintain your attic in the winter? 

In this article, we’ll explore five key ways to keep up with your attic’s health and structural integrity this winter. If your considering a professional for maintenance or attic insulation in San Diego, Orange County, or Phoenix, the investment will be well worth it. 

#1 Prepare Before Winter Weather Hits

Before winter approaches, make sure your attic is adequately prepared for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Preparation is key to success. You can take the following steps to make winter attic maintenance even easier:

• Inspect your insulation and repair any damage you observe in your attic space
• Check your pest control methods for signs of unwelcome visitors
• Seal up any wall or roof leaks to prevent cold air infiltration
• Clean up and ensure that you can safely access the attic in an emergency
• Stock up on maintenance items like pest control, sealant, and cleaning supplies

You’ll be much more equipped to maintain your attic throughout the entire winter season if you’re well-prepared before the first snowflakes fall. By investing time on the front end insulation installation for things like new, you can prevent future issues from happening in your under insulated house and the need to brave the chilly attic in the middle of winter. 

#2 Maintain Pest Control Methods

Before winter begins, you should also make sure that the pest control methods in your attic are operable, clean, and ready to foil any pests’ plans to stay warm in your attic this year. 

It’s also important to do an attic cleaning to inspect and maintain those pest control methods regularly. Make sure to:

• Inspect rodent and insect traps and reset them if needed
• Maintain your normal levels of poison powder or spray
• Check pest screens and sealants for signs of wear or entry attempts

Just like you, pests simply want to keep warm when it’s cold. But, by keeping up with your pest control methods, you can keep them from taking up residence in your attic. 

#3 Ensure a Tight Seal Around Your Attic Access

Your attic hatch isn’t just a gateway to your home’s storage space—it’s a doorway to the wintry elements. 

While insulation will help keep your attic temperature during the winter, it won’t stay as warm as the rest of your home. So, to keep the colder air where it belongs—out of your main living spaces—make sure to tightly seal the attic access hatch to prevent an air leak.¹ 

Using weatherstrip or gaskets to seal your attic access point prevents cold air from entering your space and warm air from escaping it. While you’ll more easily maintain a comfortable temperature while the weather outside is frightful, you’ll also improve your home’s energy efficiency. The more you can prevent heat exchange and close up any potential entry points for cold air; the less your HVAC system will have to run to keep your home toasty. 

#4 Add Additional Ventilation

To prevent cold infiltration and mold buildup from steam vents, producing warm moist air, increase your attic’s ventilation during the colder months. Simply add attic ventilation fans to your space by facing away from the attic hatch and toward the vent to the outside, if your attic has one. 

Adding extra ventilation in the winter is good roof maintenance to prevent ice damming, which can damage gutter and roof systems. If your attic is too warm in the winter, snow will melt as it lands on your roof and turns into water. As it drips into the gutters, it could re-freeze into a long slab of ice that could expand and cause cracks.²

#5 Regularly Inspect Your Attic

Throughout the winter, take regular peeks up into your attic to catch any potential problems as soon as possible. While you don’t need to inspect your attic every day, establish a schedule that works for your lifestyle and your home, and add those dates to your calendar ahead of time. 

If you’re in the process of removing attic insulation and replacing it, or just wanting to routinely inspect, here are things to look for:

• Evidence of pests
• Insulation damage
• Water infiltration or leaks
• Mold and mildew
• HVAC and electrical damage

Just like replacing your air filter or descaling the hot water heater, regularly inspecting your attic, along with all attic vents, and even your air conditioner, while performing a quick attic clean up, is a task that will pay off in the long run. 

Seeking Help with Winter Attic Maintenance? Attic Construction Can Help

By investing in preparation, keeping up with your pest control, sealing the access hatch, maintaining optimal ventilation, and regularly inspecting your attic, you’ll continue to protect your family and your home from the elements this winter. 

If you’re seeking additional tips or help with winter attic maintenance, look no further than Attic Construction. We’ve been helping families keep their attics clean, well-insulated, and pest-free since 2011, and our experts are dedicated to providing top-tier service. 

Instead of braving the winter on your own, contact Attic Construction for more tips or a free estimate today. We provide everything from attic cleaning services in Orange County to Phoenix insulation installation. Contact us today for a free quote.

Sources: 

1. Energy Star. Sealing Your Attic Hatch or Door. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/do_it_yourself_guide/sealing_air_leaks_attic/attic_hatch_or_door 
2. Energy Star. About Attic Ventilation. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/do_it_yourself_guide/about_attic_ventilation 

Most people think about insulation as a way to regulate temperatures and keep energy costs as low as possible. While this is the primary function of any kind of insulation, some offer generous soundproofing capabilities to keep your home protected from noises both inside and out.

So, is attic insulation soundproof? It can be.

The quality of soundproofing will depend on several factors, including the type of sound you are dealing with and on the kind of insulation installation you’re looking for. While budget and energy needs should always come first when choosing insulation, it never hurts to be aware of the added benefits of getting your attic insulated.

If you’re looking to create a highly regulated acoustic environment for music production, you’ll probably want to look into professional soundproofing panels made of wood, fabric, or foam. If you came here curious about the soundproofing benefits of insulating your attic, then read on to see what our guide has to offer.

Types of Sound

Before you go shopping for soundproof attic insulation, it’s important to understand the types of noise that can affect your home.

• Airborne – Airborne sound is characterized by its ability to transmit through air and structures using sound waves. Typical examples of airborne sound around the home include conversations carried on outdoors, barking dogs, traffic, and car radios. In attics, airborne sound could take the form of a noisy fan or HVAC unit. While it may be impossible to control these kinds of external sounds, it is possible to use insulation to your advantage by dampening and even absorbing them altogether.
• Structure-borne sound – In the home, this is typically characterized by the impact of an object, person, or pet on the structures that support your environment. For example, your child bounces a ball on the floor upstairs, your dog knocks something over in the next room over, or your downstairs neighbor is having work done on the ceiling. These structure-borne sounds can be particularly annoying as they tend to cause vibrations throughout the building. Regardless, their severity can be lessened with the help of quality insulation.

What Is a Noise Reduction Coefficient?

When it comes to sound reduction, the quality of a material is measured by its noise reduction coefficient (NRC).¹ NRC is determined on a scale of 0 to 1, 1 meaning that the material in question absorbs all sound. If your insulation has been measured at .75 NRC, that means it absorbs 75% of the soundwaves it comes into contact with.

Commonly used in acoustics, NRC can also measure the soundproofing capabilities of insulation. While universally measured in R-value, a measure combining the type of material with its density and thickness, insulation can actually offer soundproofing with high NRC levels as well.²

Soundproofing Quality of Common Insulators

Common insulation materials tend to offer two types of soundproofing. Absorption, typical of porous materials, allows sound to pass into the insulation while converting its energy into heat through friction. Dampening, typical of denser materials, acts to absorb the shock of soundwaves and transfers those vibrations into heat.

The following insulators work to absorb and dampen sound while keeping your attic’s temperature regulated and your home energy costs down:

• Fiberglass – Made from a blend of spun plastic and glass fibers, fiberglass is a cost-effective and reliable way to insulate your home. As if this weren’t already enough, fiberglass insulation also comes with an NRC rating of 0.95-1 depending on the thickness of the installation.³
  Mineral Wool – Made from a blend of fibers spun from superheated igneous rocks like basalt and silica, mineral wool or rock wool is particularly adept and uses its density and porosity to absorb both kinds of sound. While an excellent choice for thermal insulation, mineral wool is both significantly more expensive than fiberglass and offers a nearly identical NRC rating of 0.95-1.05.⁴
• Cotton – Also known as denim insulation, this insulator is made from recycled cotton and typically comes in sheets or panels. 10-15% more expensive than fiberglass, cotton insulation offers competitive NRC levels and is particularly good at absorbing high-frequency sounds.
• Cellulose – Made from recycled newspaper shreds, cellulose or blow-in insulation is the cheapest insulator on the market. Depending on the quality of installation (cellulose tends to settle significantly) this insulator can reach 0.8 NRC for your soundproofing needs.⁵
• Spray Foam – Last but not least, this expensive insulator goes from liquid to foam by expanding over 50 times its original volume once sprayed into place. Spray foam is offered in two variations: closed-cell and open-cell. The latter, which is low density, actually offers better soundproofing by filling more open spaces and absorbing more structure-borne sound. As stated above, however, it is by far the most expensive type of insulation on the market and may not quite meet your soundproofing needs with an upper limit of NRC 0.7.⁶

Control Your Soundscape with Attic Construction

At Attic Construction, we draw on over a decade of experience in attic cleaning, removal of different types of mold, insulation removal, locating rodent entry points and more, to provide the best service possible to our clients in San Diego, Orange County, and Phoenix. However you choose to soundproof your home, attic insulation can offer added protection while serving all of your energy needs.

Sources: 

1. Audimute. NRC Ratings: What is a Noise Reduction Coefficient? https://www.audimute.com/nrc-ratings-noise-reduction-coefficient 
2. U.S. Department of Energy. How Insulation Works. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/insulation 
3. Better Soundproofing. Is Fiberglass Insulation Good for Soundproofing? https://bettersoundproofing.com/is-fiberglass-insulation-good-for-soundproofing/ 
4. Snoring Source. Soundproofing Insulation Explained: Which Material is Best? https://www.snoringsource.com/soundproofing-insulation/#:~:text=There%20are%20two%20general%20grades,in%20the%200.8%2D0.9%20range. 
5. Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association. Cellulose Insulation Provides Sound Control. https://www.cellulose.org/Cellulose-Insulation-2nd.php?pagename=Sound_Control_Insulation&dirname=HomeOwners 
6. Tiger Foam Insulation. Open Cell Spray Foam. https://tigerfoam.com/sprayfoaminsulation/technical/data-sheets/open-cell-spray-foam/