Attic Insulation

Charlotte’s Best Attic Insulation

Blown In Attic Insulation

Batt Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation

AttiCat Blown In Attic Insulation

Most homes require additional attic insulation. The minimal levels of attic insulation required by local building codes aren’t considered adequate today because of rising energy costs and increasing concern about the environmental damage caused by fossil fuel consumption. And although we live in what is considered by Energy Star to be a warm climate, it’s hard to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check if you don’t have adequate insulation in the attic.

The attic is often the most poorly insulated and ventilated area of your home’s envelope. Insufficient insulation levels in your attic can result in major heat loss and thus, higher energy bills. Furthermore, poor ventilation and air leakage are major contributing factor for ice dams and mold growth. The walls of many homes are also poorly insulated and lead to heat loss, as well.

When installed properly, loose-fill insulation improves the energy efficiency of a home, lowers utility bills, and decreases fossil fuel burning and carbon dioxide emissions. To ensure that homeowners reap these benefits, certified, trained installers need to follow manufacturers’ installation guidelines and check for the following:

* Correct R-value– A material’s thermal resistance is measured by R-value. Because each of these loose-fill insulation materials has a different R-value, you’ll need to install them at different densities in order to achieve an adequate level of insulation. You’ll also need to adjust for the amount of settling that will occur over time and affect the installed R-value. Cellulose loses 20% of its R-value, so you should add 20% more in an attic during installation. The settling percentage of fiberglass and mineral wool is minimal and doesn’t affect thermal performance.

* No gaps or fluffing– If insulation isn’t installed at the right density, voids and gaps can form, lessening the R-value. Fluffing also weakens the effectiveness of insulation. When insulation is fluffed, it’s installed to minimum thickness but not to minimum weight requirements, allowing air and heat to pass through it.

* Appropriate placement-- Loose-fill insulation works well in attics because it’s the most cost-effective place to install a large amount of insulation. Although you’re covering a large area, you want to be careful not to block ventilation and to keep insulation at least 3 inches away from ceiling fixtures. Install baffles above soffit vents, and block soffits to prevent moisture and mold problems. Make sure ductwork is properly sealed to prevent insulation from circulating into the home.

Loose fill is an effective, environmentally friendly option for insulating attics, as long as it’s installed according to manufacturer’s specifications.

To be sure that all your bases are covered, leave the installation to a professional. At Carolina EcoSmart, we’ve partnered with…who else, Owen’s Corning and the Pink Panther to provide our customers the number one name in insulation. And when Carolina Ecosmart’s professionals install your AttiCat Blown In insulation, you’ll know it’s done right.