If you’re already taking on a roof replacement, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your insulation. Killing two birds with one stone doesn’t just save you the hassle of taking on two separate renovations. You also gain energy efficiency benefits that will save you money year-round in the Maryland climate.
Why Upgrade Your Insulation?
Heating and cooling costs are major expenses for any homeowner. While they’re unavoidable facts of life, it’s wise to take every opportunity to both increase the comfort of your home and boost energy efficiency.
That’s why every homeowner should be vigilant about signs that it’s time to replace roof/attic insulation. A few common warning signs include:
- Certain rooms never seem to get comfortable, despite constantly running the heating or cooling systems
- Your energy bills seem unusually high for the level of comfort in the home
- The attic is used solely as a storage space
- Existing insulation is damp or even sopping wet (it’s useless at that point)
Insulation problems can impact your home in both the summer and winter—especially in the mid-Atlantic climate. In the colder months, insulation will keep the warm air in. And in the warmer months, proper insulation and venting in the attic provides the thermal break necessary to keep all that warm air in the attic, moving, and out of your living space.If you’re experiencing any of these issues and you’re also planning a roof replacement, it’s a great time to seize the opportunity to lower your energy costs and increase the comfort of your home.
Choosing the Right Type of Insulation
Once you decide to upgrade attic insulation while working on your roof replacement project, the next step is to talk to your contractor and decide which type of insulation is right for your specific needs.
Generally speaking, there are three main types of roof/attic insulation to consider:
- Batts: These are the large pieces of insulation you see between studs in a wall. Whether you choose cotton or fiberglass, batt insulation gives you a strong barrier along the outer edges of your roof/attic. However, this leaves plenty of gaps in coverage that can hinder energy efficiency.
- Blown: Because blown insulation comes out as chunks of cellulose or fiberglass, it does a better job of filling every crevice of the attic. With a more complete layer of insulation throughout your attic, you’ll experience lower energy costs and more effective heating/cooling compared to simple batts installations.
- Spray Foam: Unlike blown-in insulation, spray foam is applied to the underside of your roof as opposed to the attic floor. While that may give you some added storage space, it makes proper attic ventilation problematic. Your primary objective should be to install a proper ventilation system in accordance with FHA guidelines alongside your insulation. That can’t happen with spray foam.
Like any home renovation, the key to success is finding a contractor you trust. You want someone who will guide you toward a roof replacement plan that specifically fits your needs. That means informing you that it’s a good time to upgrade insulation because it’s truly necessary—not just to increase the project price.
