Monday, September 29th, 2014 by Danny Peterson
Insulation and roofs — two often overlooked reasons your home’s energy efficiency is a lot lower than it should be. Homes are supposed to be closed systems. In a perfect world, this means they trap in cool air during the summer months and heat in the winter. Unfortunately, there are a bunch of factors (bad windows, drafts, leaks, etc.) that can lead to unwanted air transfer and cause you to spend a lot more on heating and cooling. Insulation and roofing, however, are the two best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and, by extension, value. Before discussing the ways attic insulation and roofing plays a role in a house’s efficiency, it’s important to discuss the various side-effects of not taking care of your roof. As an example, let’s say a few shingles were blown off your roof during a storm. Not a big deal, right? Wrong. Missing shingles create opportunities for water to seep through your roof. This puts your attic and wall insulation at risk, especially since water is one of the main reasons insulation needs replacing. Water damage can lead to other expensive problems as well, such as mold and carpet and furniture damage. Aside from rain, water damage may be linked to bad pipes or, even worse, when there is heavy snowfall. This is why it is absolutely essential to take care of your roof and insulation at the same time.
Integrity Home Pro Shares Attic Insulation + Roofing Tips
From storm damage to warranty expirations, there are a lot of reasons you might have to replace your roof. Unfortunately however, homeowners tend to NOT replace both their roof and attic insulation at the same time. Why? Because it may seem like an added expense and more effort on their part. When you consider the benefits, though, replacing both at the same time is one of the best financial moves you can make to your home. You want your roof system to have the proper ventilation and air transfer in the attic, not in your bedrooms. If you have chosen the right company to help you with your roof system, they can help you with air-sealing and attic insulation. New insulation/ventilation adds to energy-efficiency of your home. This means you will be more comfortable and likely see major savings on your utility bills because A) There are fewer drafts, B) There is less chance of water damage, and C) Your insulation and roof will work in tandem to protect your home. When it comes to insulation, homeowners have two basic options: Blown-in fill or batt/blanket insulation. If you don’t know the first thing about insulation, we highly recommend you speak to the roofing company or call up an expert to discuss the type of fiber you want to use (foam, cellulose, fiberglass, etc.) and figure out what will work best in your attic. As mentioned, the best time to install new insulation is before the winter sets in. In addition, a lot of companies offer deals (like our very own Integrity Home Pro $150 attic insulation promotion) for attic insulation.
