We’ve long accepted the inevitable spike on the prices of our monthly electricity bills during winter. But that shouldn’t be the case. Having adequate attic insulation is all you need to ensure that every dollar you spend on heating is not put to waste. Here’s what you should know about it:
Proper attic insulation saves you money
Statistics show that 85 percent of a house’s heat loss is straight up through the attic space. Houses built before the energy crunch in the early ’70s, might just have a little bit of fiberglass insulation in the attic or empty cavities between the joists. Either way, the house is probably wasting energy – and the homeowners’ money.
The amount of insulation a material provides is measured by its R-value. The higher the number in the R-value, the more effective the insulation is. Houses built before the 1970s probably have an R-value of 11 or less, but today’s standards call for R-values as high as 38 or more, depending on the house’s location. Source: DIYNetwork
Costs
It can cost anywhere from $1,700 to $2,100 or between $1.50 and $3.50 per foot to insulate an attic depending on what insulation material you choose. Blown-in insulation is the least expensive option and ideal for older attics. Spray foam, while the most expensive, is best for noise reduction and new construction. Expect to pay an attic insulation installer about $70 per hour. In some cases, you may also need the expertise of an electrician to safely insulate around junction boxes or cables; expect to pay an additional $85 per hour for this service.
Depending on the difficulty of your job, the size of your attic and the type of insulation material you choose, the final cost for professional placement will likely fall between $1.50 and $3.50 per foot. Source: HomeAdvisor
Check the attic first
Before adding insulation, evaluate the condition of the attic, which may require the assistance of an architect or builder. Wet or damp insulation and moldy or rotted rafters may be indicative of moisture problems, potentially stemming from a roof leak, which should be addressed before installing insulation. Source: WashingtonPost
Having the right insulation and properly maintained roofing makes a massive difference on your home’s upkeep, so make sure you don’t miss on checking your roof for any leaks. Call us if you notice any problems and we’ll be there to help!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
