March marks the official start of spring, bringing warmer temperatures (yay!), unpredictable weather and rising energy costs (boo!). While homeowners often prioritize scheduling HVAC tune-ups or upgrading window treatments, one of the most effective ways to improve comfort and lower energy bills is by improving your ceiling and roof insulation.
Proper insulation doesn’t just keep your home warm in winter, it also prevents heat from creeping in during the spring and summer. If you want a more comfortable, energy-efficient home as the weather warms up (and cools down next fall), here’s what you need to know about assessing, upgrading and maintaining your ceiling and roof insulation.
Ceiling & Roof Insulation Matters All Year Long, Especially in Kansas City’s Climate
A well-insulated home stays comfortable in every season. In the winter, insulation traps heat inside. In the spring and summer, it does the opposite, blocking outdoor heat from entering so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard.
There’s a good chance your home isn’t well insulated if you notice:
- Higher energy bills as your HVAC system struggles to keep up.
- Uneven temperatures where some rooms feel hotter/colder than others.
- An overworked AC unit that runs constantly but never quite cools the house (or vice versa for your furnace in winter).
- More outside noise filtering into your home.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to boost your insulation. Adding or upgrading your insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduces energy waste, prolongs your HVAC’s lifespan and even minimizes unwanted noise.
Step 1: Choose the Right Insulation for Your Ceiling & Roof
Not all ceiling and roof insulation materials perform the same. The best choice depends on your home’s needs, energy-efficiency goals and of course, budget.
Blow-in-Blanket Insulation
- Better Coverage – blow-in insulation can fit in small cavities including wall gaps of only a couple of inches.
- Neater Installation than Foam – BIBS is less messy to install than a foam spray.
- No Settling – blow-in blanket fiberglass insulation won’t settle over time unlike cellulose insulation.
- Safety – blow-in blanket insulation is naturally fire resistant.
- Noise Reduction – besides insulating, BIBS insulation will absorb noise as well.
- Moisture Resistant – won’t encourage mold or mildew growth.
- Insect and Rodent Resistant – does not provide a source of food or nesting for insects or rodents.
Spray Foam Insulation
- Completely fill and seal every crack – polyurethane spray foam’s expansion properties allow it to expand up to 100 times its original size to completely fill every crack in walls, ceilings and crawlspaces for total insulation and air sealing.
- Spray foam stays in place – spray foam insulation does not settle or sag over time ensuring total continual performance. As such, you can expect a long life of consistent service from it.
- Reduce allergens in your home – spray foam’s air sealing qualities help reduce the amount of dust, allergens and pollutants entering your home. It even prevents mold or bacteria growth, thanks to its water resistance.
- Reduce energy loss and waste – spray foam will reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. As a historically effective insulator, it could potentially make a big difference in energy expenditure.
- Won’t attract insects or rodents – polyurethane spray foam does not provide a source of food or a good nesting spot for rodents, termites, etc.
Cellulose Insulation
- Fills walls completely to effectively stop air infiltration.
- When installed pneumatically, cellulose acts liquid-like, flowing into areas and wrapping around obstructions.
- Can be more effective than fiberglass batting at filling gaps.
Batted Insulation
- Effective, yet affordable.
- Ideal for spaces without a lot of pipes, wires, nooks or holes.
Not sure which insulation is right for your ceiling or roof area? A+ Insulation’s professional insulation contractors can perform an energy evaluation and recommend the best options based on the results and your goals.
Read more about our insulation services.
Step 2: Check for Air Leaks Before Adding Insulation
A common mistake made is adding insulation without sealing air leaks first. It’s a small but very important step, considering even the best insulation won’t be as effective if air leaks allow hot air inside.
Where A+ Insulation’s installers look for and seal air leaks:
- Any openings or cracks where two walls meet, where the wall meets the ceiling or near interior door frames.
- Gaps around electrical outlets, switch boxes and recessed fixtures.
- Gaps behind recessed cabinets and furred or false ceilings such as kitchen or bathroom soffits.
- Gaps around attic access hatches and pull-down stairs.
- Behind bathtubs and shower stall units.
- Through floor cavities of finished attics adjacent to unconditioned attic spaces, utility chase ways for ducts, etc. and plumbing and electrical wiring penetrations.
Step 3: Remember Warmer Weather is a Good Time to Soundproof with Ceiling & Roof Insulation
Beyond energy savings, insulation also helps reduce unwanted noise. Whether it’s street traffic, noisy neighbors or sounds traveling between floors, the right insulation can create a quieter, more peaceful home, especially in summer when there is more outdoor activity.
The best insulation for noise reduction includes blown-in cellulose, which reduces airborne noise between floors and spray foam that seals gaps that allow sound to travel through.
Step 4: Hire a Professional Insulation Contractor
While DIY ceiling and roof insulation projects are possible, hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly and efficiently.
Your A+ Insulation installer will:
- Recommend the best materials for your home’s layout and Kansas City’s climate.
- Install insulation evenly with no gaps or weak spots.
- Seal air leaks for maximum energy efficiency.
- Help you take advantage of any available energy rebates and incentives.
- Ensure compliance with local building codes and safety guidelines.
Step 5: Maintain Your Insulation for Long-Term Performance
Even after upgrading, insulation requires occasional maintenance to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient.
- Inspect your attic for pests, moisture or mold twice a year.
- Check for settling insulation and top it off as needed.
- Ensure attic ventilation is working to prevent humidity buildup.
- Look for gaps or damage after storms and repair them promptly.
Get Spring-Ready with an Insulation Upgrade
Spring is the perfect time to improve your home’s insulation and start saving on energy bills before the summer heat arrives. Whether you need a full upgrade or just a few improvements, proper insulation makes a big difference in comfort, efficiency and noise reduction.
Schedule a free energy evaluation and our experts will be happy to provide recommendations tailored to your home.