Your roofing system is composed of layered components working together to keep your home safe and protected against weather damage. Most of these parts aren’t visible from the ground, but that doesn’t make them any less important. Take attic insulation, for example. It helps keep your home thermally comfortable while keeping energy costs down. But having proper attic insulation in place can also make a notable difference to the service life and performance of your roofing system. A trusted roof and siding repair company in the area, VillWell Builders, LLC, shares some of the reasons proper attic insulation is great for your roof.
1. It prevents heat and moisture buildup in the attic. You’ll find that most of the components in the attic serve as the roof’s foundation. The space itself serves as a sort of “insulation room” that separates the inside of your home from the outside. But having just this empty space is not enough. Just as double pane windows have inert gas filling the space between the panes, the attic should have the necessary insulation to keep the temperature inside and outside your home separate.
Otherwise, heat and moisture generated by your home interiors can leak into the attic and become trapped. The buildup of heat and moisture in this space may cause damage to the decking and trusses, which make up the roof’s structural framework. The decking and trusses are usually made of wood or wood composites, and their continued exposure to heat and moisture may cause them to warp or rot.
By having proper attic insulation — plus ventilation — installed by a reliable building renovation expert, you’ll be able to prevent this from happening. As we’ve mentioned before, sufficient insulation stops warm and moist air from escaping into the attic, ensuring that the space will remain cool and dry. Proper ventilation augments this by allowing smooth and continuous airflow throughout the attic. Together, they help eliminate the potential for rot and distortion in the roof structure, helping maintain its integrity.
2. Insulation stops ice dams from developing. You’ve seen it during the cold season — the ice formation along the eaves and gutters of your Connecticut home. Ice dams look strangely beautiful, but their weight puts additional stress on the roof structure, while also leaving it more susceptible to leaks. But this is where proper attic insulation comes into play. It actually prevents ice dams from developing on your roof.
When snow and ice accumulate on the roof surface, the excess heat inside the attic may cause them to melt and run down the system, eventually refreezing along the eaves and gutters (where it’s cooler). Proper insulation, however, keeps the attic cool which, in turn, stops the snow and ice on the roof surface from melting. The importance of good attic insulation can’t be denied, so you might want to have it periodically checked by your local building renovation company as part of roof maintenance.
3. Insulation helps extend the life of roofing materials. Proper attic insulation is not only useful during the cold season. It’s also invaluable during the summer months, where it helps keep excess heat down inside your attic. The fact is that heat can damage your asphalt shingles from below, causing them to become dry, brittle and blistered. Once this happens, the roofing material loses most of its weather resistance, leaving it more prone to water infiltration. But because good insulation maintains a cooler temperature inside the attic, your asphalt shingles can stay in good shape, helping avoid the possibility of premature roof aging.
When the Attic Insulation Is Failing
Good attic insulation is incredibly useful, but it will start failing over time. Old age, moisture problems and compaction are contributing factors to the deterioration of insulation. Poor installation by an inexperienced contractor can also compromise the insulating value. You might want to have your attic insulation updated by a trusted home improvement company like VillWell Builders, LLC if you notice these warning signs:
- Inconsistent temperatures in your living spaces.
- Energy bills that are higher than expected for the current season.
- Ice damming along the eaves and gutters.
- Drafts in multiple rooms.
- Old-looking or tattered insulating material.
There are many types of attic insulation available today, each option having its own pros and cons. These are some of the most commonly used:
- Fiberglass. This type of attic insulation uses plastic reinforced with glass fibers. Fiberglass remains widely popular because it’s reasonably priced, easy and fast to install, and eco-friendly. Depending on your needs, you can choose one that comes in either batts or rolls.
- Cellulose. This insulation consists of recycled paper products, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice. Cellulose attic insulation is also denser than fiberglass, so it provides better heat retention during the winter and cool air retention in the summer. When augmented with borate or ammonium sulfate, cellulose attic insulation offers greater resistance to fires.
- Spray Foam. Made from three types of plastic, spray foam insulation offers reliable performance by filling all nooks and crannies present in the attic’s floors and walls. Its installation also takes less time and effort.
If you’re having trouble choosing the right attic insulation, all you have to do is consult premier home improvement company VillWell Builders, LLC. We’ll help you explore your options and decide on the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Why Choose VillWell Builders, LLC?
VillWell Builders, LLC is a fully licensed, bonded and insured home improvement company. For more than 15 years, we have provided top-tier solutions to the roofing needs of homeowners in and around Waterbury, CT. We have always been committed to 100% customer satisfaction, which we continue to achieve through exceptional workmanship and personalized service. Expect no installation errors, shortcuts or callbacks, only home upgrades done right the first time, no matter the size and complexity.
Schedule a Roof Evaluation
From roof installation and siding repair to deck replacement and kitchen remodeling, the experts at VillWell Builders, LLC have got you covered. Regardless of what improvement we’re completing for you, it’s our aim to exceed your expectations. We proudly serve homeowners in Waterbury, CT, and other areas in New Haven County. Call us today at (203) 879-2118 or fill out this contact form to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
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