Heat flows from warmer to cooler areas until there is no difference in temperature. It’s that simple. So, no matter the season of the year, your home needs to be properly insulated, from the top down, if it’s to remain comfortable.
More than comfort, because insulation is responsible for up to 70% of your home’s total heat gain and loss, it has a significant impact on energy efficiency and associated costs, like wear and tear on your HVAC system. If you’re wondering whether investing in roof insulation is worth it, here are few numbers to consider.
Is Your House at Least 10 Years Old?
If your home is more than 10 years old, chances are, it doesn’t have adequate insulation. Building codes change. Materials evolve. And, older roof insulation degrades over time. If your insulation was improperly installed, or insufficient in the first place, its performance will have only worsened over the years. Plus, common issues like water damage, mold, rodents and other pests can eat away at insulation’s effectiveness.
On a related note, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, up to 90% of U.S. homes are under-insulated, regardless of their age. For most Kansas City area homeowners, updating or upgrading ceiling, crawl space or roof insulation can result in significant benefits you can feel.
How Much Can New Roof Insulation Save Me?
When installed by experienced insulation contractors, insulation can reduce energy costs by as much as 30%. Exact savings are dependent on several factors, such as your existing energy costs, ceiling design and installation quality, which is why it’s important to trust your roof insulation to an expert. Trained, certified professionals will be able to spot issues and pinpoint your greatest opportunities for savings.
Often, homeowners looking for the best return on their roof insulation investment, find that the attic is the place to start, especially in Kansas City. During our coldest months, hot air easily escapes through any roof not properly insulated. By adding or upgrading attic and wall insulation, homeowners experience an average of $1,000 in energy savings within a couple of years.
It’s not an exaggeration when we say, insulation is a powerhouse compared to other energy-saving products and strategies. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, insulation within ENERGY STAR homes, which are designed and built with efficiency in mind, contribute more than 600 times to overall energy savings than all of a home’s compact fluorescent lights and ENERGY STAR appliances and windows, combined.
LEARN MORE: Which Home Improvement has the Fastest ROI?
How Much Insulation is Sufficient?
When installed correctly, just 18 inches (depth) of insulation can help produce the savings mentioned above. Expert guidance is key, though, since exact specifications are dependent on a home’s type of heating and cooling system, attic construction and layout, proper air sealing, moisture control and more.
What Are My Options?
A+ Insulation offers three types of roof insulation: batted, blown-in (also known as loose-fill) and spray foam to accommodate a variety of spaces and comfort needs. Our trained and certified experts can identify the right option for your attic, as well as potential hazards (leaky roof, rotted attic rafters, poor ventilation and fire risks) to ensure lasting performance and optimal cost savings.
LEARN MORE: A+ Insulation Offers a Variety of Solutions for Attics
In the End, is Roof Insulation Worth It? YES.
Professionally installing, upgrading or replacing your home’s roof insulation is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve its energy efficiency. And, because heat rises straight to the ceiling and through any leaks, gaps or damaged materials, the attic is the best place in your house to explore savings.
Our licensed and knowledgeable insulation contractors can evaluate existing issues that need to be fixed and help you choose the right insulation to keep you and your family comfortable. Not to mention save a lot of money in the hottest and coldest months of the year. Call us at (913) 281-2250 or visit insulatekansascity.com/contact to schedule a free, no obligation evaluation.