Importance of Attic Insulation
Get your money back!
If you are in Ireland the Sustainable Energy Ireland ( SEI ) will reimburse up to Euro 250 for retrofitting your attic insulation (ceiling level roof insulation ) . It is no different in other countries in the European Union, UK , USA and countries of the developed world. The reimbursement will be affected through the corresponding organizations in these countries.
Why is this?
Attic Insulation
Insulation of your building if not properly done (or now perished) is one of the biggest contributors to your energy bills. Of this the attic being directly in contact with the roof and the warm occupied areas is directly responsible for the heat lost from the upper building shell.
Is retrofitting difficult and costly?
Attic insulation is one of the simplest tasks a DIY enthusiast or a home handy man can tackle easily. The cost of insulation material is all you have to spend on. In the event you are not handy with DIY stuff even semi skilled labour (under your supervision) will be adequate and inexpensive.
The cost of material will vary vastly with the type of insulation you decide on. The location and type of improvement you have in mind will decide the type of material.
Decide the improvement needed
The 3 types of insulation improvements are;
- Insulating the attic totally anew- (Can happen if not insulated at all previously or is badly perished at present )
- Topping up existing insulation ' (in order to make up the required thickness)
- Plugging up places of leakage, insulating Air ducts, Water tanks and plumbing.
Best attic insulation material
There are so many different types of insulation in the market you would find it difficult to choose one. Important things to look for in attic insulation are;
- Ease of fixing
- Convenience to top up existing insulation to make up correct thickness
- Good Resistance to heat leakage (i.e. having higher R value/low 'U' value)
- Resistance to settling
- Low water permeability
- Convenience of repairing any mechanical damage to the laid insulation
- Ability to cover around luminaires and vent grilles.
- Resistant to vermin attack
These point out to fibrous insulation such as fiberglass quilt, rock wool, slag wool, hemp, sheep's wool etc. Other polymer insulations like Expanded Polystyrene foam, Polyurethane etc can be sprayed in addition to cutting to size and fixing as bats or slabs. The polymer insulations however cannot be used conveniently to top up existing insulation unless it is the same type. Closed cell insulation such as Butyl, Nitrile and other synthetic rubber in slab form too could be used.
Benefits
The following benefits can be expected with a good attic insulation or ceiling level roof insulation retrofit.
- Reduced energy bills
- Increased comfort levels
- Low capital cost
- Short payback period
- Reduction in green house gas emissions
About the Author:
John Mahoney is a freelance author who writes about various technology realated subjects. For more information about John visit his website www.techstore.ie.
