Your attic is often a neglected area of your Grand Rapids MI home. Unfinished attics are often used for excess storage or to house ductwork for your HVAC system. Chances are pretty good that your attic is underinsulated — many homes in Michigan lack proper attic insulation — especially if you’re noticing any of these symptoms:
- High energy bills
- Uneven temperatures
- Ice dams on the roof
- Furnace or AC that runs constantly
How Long Does Attic Insulation Last?
It’s understandable to think, “Wait, my attic already has insulation in it!” And that’s likely true. However attic insulation can get wet from roof leaks or condensation and compress over time. Also, it’s very possible that there just wasn’t enough installed to begin with (this is especially likely with older homes). So while there may be insulation in your Wyoming MI attic from the Carter administration, the real question is, “How well is it working?”
Get Started with a Home Energy Audit
If you’re hoping to improve your Holland MI home’s energy efficiency, it’s a great idea to start with a home energy audit from WMGB Home Improvement. This scientific assessment will identify air leaks, inadequate or missing insulation, and other issues that could be robbing you of valuable heating and cooling. With the home energy audit results in hand, many folks start with an attic insulation upgrade in Michigan because it delivers so many immediate benefits including:
- Lower energy bills
- More even temperatures throughout the home
- Higher functioning and longer-lasting heating and cooling systems
- Winter ice dam prevention
- Improved indoor air quality (after air sealing gaps and cracks)
What Type of Insulation is Right for My Attic?
There are two types of insulation commonly used in attics. Blown in insulation can be either fiberglass or cellulose loose fibers that are applied to a certain depth on the attic floor. It is important to prepare the attic floor with air sealing first to ensure the insulation can perform to specifications. Spray foam insulation is applied to the rafters of the roof and both seals and insulates in one application. Which type is proper attic insulation for your Grand Haven MI home will be determined by the size and configuration as well as the use of your attic spaces.
How Much Insulation Do I Need in my Attic?
Insulation is measured in R-value, which indicates how well the insulation prevents the transfer of energy (heat). Cellulose and fiberglass insulation have lower R-values per inch so they are blown to a certain depth to reach the desired R-38 or higher for the climate zone.
Spray foam insulation is generally denser than blown insulation and has a higher R-value per inch.
Access Incentives & Financing to Save on Attic Insulation Replacement
Improving attic insulation is a long term investment that starts saving energy and money from the first day. The insulation pros at WMGB Home Improvement understand that affordability is important for Kalamazoo MI homeowners. That’s why we offer financing to help spread the cost over time. Also, if you’re a Holland MI resident, WMGB Home Improvement can help you access the generous Holland Energy Program for rebates and benefits through local utilities.
