Polk County Insulation > Home Insulation Blog > Attic Insulation: A Cost-Effective “Green” Strategy

So, you’ve just air-sealed your basement and attic? Now check the attic insulation levels, and if necessary, add more. The easiest place to add insulation for extra comfort and improved energy efficiency in your home is the attic.

Attic Insulation: A Cost-Effective "Green" Strategy

It makes no difference what type insulation you already have. A quick way of determining if you need more is to look at the attic’s span – if the insulation is level with or below the floor joists, more is needed.

How much should you add? R-Values specify insulation levels – a measure of the material’s ability to resist the flow of heat. The higher the R-Value, the better the insulation’s performance will be. The recommended level for most attics is 10 to 14 inches or R-38, depending on the type of insulation.

When adding extra attic insulation, you don’t have to use the same type of material that already exists. You can use loose fill on top of blankets or fiberglass batts, or vice versa. If you do use fiberglass over loose fill, ensure the batting has no foil or paper backing – it should be “unfaced.” It’s advisable to hire a professional to do the job because the application involves using a blowing machine.

Look into the matter ASAP because you can slash your summer air conditioning bills with a well-insulated attic. At Polk County Insulation, we have been providing residential insulation services for the last 30 years in the Lakeland/Winter Haven areas. Call us today for your attic insulation needs.