Your home in Western Massachusetts sees all sorts of weather. During the summer, it’s stiflingly hot and humid, while during the winter it’s below freezing and dry. With such a varied climate, it’s no surprise your home might be too hot, too cold and generally energy inefficient.

The Importance of Attic Insulation

Insulation plays one of the most important roles in your home’s overall comfort and efficiency. Attic insulation paired with air sealing can help eliminate air leaks, poor indoor air quality, high monthly utility bills during the summer and winter and inconsistent temperatures between floors or rooms in your home.

Attic Insulation Types

With the wide variety of insulation options available, which type should you use to insulate your attic? Here are the choices:

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation offers high thermal resistance (R-value), while simultaneously air sealing. Closed cell spray foam insulation can also be used as a vapor barrier, preventing moisture from moving in and out of your attic. A high-quality yet generally more expensive option, spray foam requires professional installation by experts, like those at Energía.

Cellulose Insulation

Made from recycled newspaper, cellulose insulation is an environmentally friendly insulation option. Its borate treatment provides protection against mold, deters pests and acts as a fire retardant.

Mineral Wool Insulation

Stone or mineral wool insulation is another option that can withstand high temperatures and provides excellent sound dampening. Mineral wool can be blown in, but also comes in rigid board and batt form.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation, sometimes also referred to as glass wool, is created from sand and recycled glass. A relatively inexpensive option, fiberglass can be blown in or can be installed in batts.

Rigid Board Insulation

For its thickness, rigid board provides the highest thermal resistance of all insulation types. However, it’s best use in the attic is in smaller, concentrated areas, like along knee walls.

Alternative Insulation

If you have particular health or environmental concerns, an alternative insulation option may be right for your home. Energía has previously installed denim batts, cotton batts and even blown sheep’s wool insulation for clients with strict environmental specifications or acute health sensitivities in Western Massachusetts.

Attic Insulation for Your Home

With all the possibilities for attic insulation, it’s difficult to determine a standard for every home. Your home and needs are specific, so what’s right for someone else’s home may not be right for yours. For example, if your attic has not been properly air sealed, spray foam insulation may be a good option to help insulate while also sealing air leaks. However, if you have environmental concerns, you may want to choose an alternative insulation material. Learning more about your home’s particular needs can be accomplished via an energy audit.

Energía: Your Massachusetts Attic Insulation Specialists

Each home is different and has unique characteristics that need to be evaluated when considering an insulation upgrade. Energía will work with you and your home to find the best insulation options for your attic. After our specialists help to insulate your attic, you’ll see reduced energy costs and improved comfort at home.

Contact Energía or call (413) 322-3111 to learn more about what insulation your attic needs.

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