Attic Insulation Denver
How Does Insulation Work?
Insulation works by increasing the barrier between the inside of your home and the temperature outside. By adding proper insulation to the attic of your Denver home, your home will do a better job of keeping heat inside during the colder months and unwanted heat out during the warmer month. Contact Colorado Insulation and Whole House Fans today to evaluate your current insulation levels and identify which insulation solution is best for your home.
Insulating Homes in Denver
Adequately insulating your Denver home can be challenging, thanks to Colorado’s highly variable climate. Conducting regular energy audits can help ensure your existing insulation stays efficient. R-value is one of the most critical factors to consider when exploring insulation. The current and desired R-value for your home will dictate the best solution for insulating your attic.
What Is R-Value For Attic Insulation?
R-value, or resistance value, measures how well an insulating material resists conductive heat flow. If your current insulation has a high R-value, it improves energy efficiency and creates a comfortable environment in your home.
Conversely, suppose you are feeling the effects of hot summers or cold winters, even with heating and cooling systems. In that case, your insulation likely has a low R-value. Some types of existing insulation can settle and become more compact as time passes, lowering their R-value and making the insulation less effective.
Each type of insulation will have different R-values. An insulation professional can help you calculate the R-value of your existing insulation. They can also walk you through the process of adding insulation to save money on your energy bills.
Recommended R-value for Attic Insulation in Denver
The Department of Energy and the Governor’s energy office recommend an R-value between R-49 and R-60. Similarly, Colorado building codes require at least R-49, equating to about 16” of fiberglass insulation in a home’s attic.
These building codes apply to the new construction of more energy-efficient homes, often with fiberglass insulation. A recent home inspection report might include information about your fiberglass insulation.
What Are The Advantages Of Going Higher Than The Recommended R-Value For Attic Insulation In Denver?
There are clear benefits to increasing the fiberglass insulation in your attic and improving your R-value. Keep in mind that if any insulation has water damage, you may need to consider insulation removal when you calculate R-value.
A well-insulated attic will make your home more energy efficient and lower your heating and cooling bills. For many homeowners, it makes smart financial sense to invest in improving their home’s energy efficiency and pay less over time. Additionally, suppose you choose to have your insulation professional installed. In that case, increasing the insulation amount is relatively affordable to achieve a higher R-value.
Attic Insulation Options in Denver
As a Denver homeowner, you have several types of insulation to choose from, each with unique benefits. Ultimately, to decide which type of insulation is best for your home, we recommend that a professional evaluate any current insulation. An attic insulation company can also tell you if any insulation removal may be necessary.
Blown-in Fiberglass Insulation
Blown-in insulation is one of the most common types of insulation and with good reason. Blown-in insulation is highly efficient and is commonly found in the attics of Denver homes. You can also use it for garage attics, exterior walls, floors, and ceilings. Fiberglass controls the flow of heat, cold, and noise and resists moisture well. Blown-in insulation requires that you have attic access for attic insulation installation. Blown-in insulation is installed using a large blower via attic access, allowing attic insulation experts to place additional insulation accurately.
Attic Batt Insulation
Attic batt insulation is similar to blow-in fiberglass but is manufactured and installed differently. Attic batt insulation is packaged into panels that are then installed into homes. This type of insulation is most commonly used for exterior walls, attics, and basement crawl space sections. Importantly, attic batt insulation is fire-proof and moisture-resistant.
Radiant Barrier Attic Foil
Radiant barrier attic foil, called reflective insulation, works differently than blow-in fiberglass and batt insulation. Reflective insulation is created for attics and reduces the heat sunlight produces. Radiant barrier attic foil is made from paper, plastic, or a cardboard-like material wrapped in a specific type of aluminum foil. For homes in Denver, this insulation provides good results by working to limit the heat generated by the bright, hot sun.
Spray Foam Insulation
Attic spray foam insulation can be another good choice for Denver homeowners looking to increase their insulation. You can use spray foam insulation to improve the R-value in attics. Spray foam insulation can also be used in ceilings, floors, walls, and basements. Self-expanding spray foam insulation is sprayed into areas to reduce airflow and create a gap-free barrier. Attic spray foam insulation works by limiting the amount of hot air entering the home in the summer and reducing the amount of warmth that escapes your home in the winter. Spray foam insulation is also popular, thanks to its ability to resist moisture. Spray foam insulation is a top choice for attic insulation installation.
Attic Insulation Considerations
Increasing or improving the insulation in your home is an important investment that will make your home more comfortable to live in and reduce your heating bills. For the best results, homeowners should familiarize themselves with their insulation options. Homeowners can also look outside of insulation for ways to reduce their energy bills.
Federal Tax Credits
In previous years, a federal program gave homeowners a tax credit to cover 10% of their insulation costs, up to $500. Tax credits work by reducing the income tax you owe at the end of the year. Currently, federal tax credit guidelines for 2022 have not been released. If you plan on investing in insulation this year, discussing the program with your CPA or tax preparer may be helpful.
Whole House Fans
In addition to insulation, whole house fans offer homeowners another way to create a cooler, more comfortable home in warmer months. Whole house fans are not attic fans. They work to create a cooler home thanks to a fan or exhaust system installed in a home’s attic. This system is designed to circulate, exhaust, and ventilate air. Whole house fans work in addition to existing attic fans.
Denver attic insulation is an ideal complement to whole house fans because Colorado is a dry climate that often has cooler evenings, nights, and mornings. Whole house fans give homeowners another option for naturally cooling their home outside of using attic fans and with the additional benefit of lowering your energy bill.
Air Sealing
Air sealing works to identify and correct the air leaks in your home that cost you money. Air sealing can make your living space more comfortable. Air sealing is a natural complement to insulation. Air sealing works differently than insulation which helps maintain comfortable temperatures inside the home. Air sealing ensures that the cool or warm air inside your home does not escape through cracks around doors and windows. For better efficiency and comfort in your home, consider air sealing in addition to insulation.
Air sealing can include caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors. Effective air sealing also considers areas where plumbing or electrical wiring comes through walls. You should also examine chimneys, furnaces, and gas-fired water heater vents to see if additional air sealing is needed in those areas. Air sealing is a highly effective and affordable way to make your home more efficient.
Premier Denver Attic Insulation Company
Colorado Insulation and Whole House Fans offer attic insulation services in Denver. We’re proud to be attic insulation experts recognized by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. Home Advisor, who works with attic insulation contractors throughout the Denver metro area, has awarded Colorado Insulation and Whole House Fans several awards thanks to our superior customer service. Most importantly, our customers consistently provide exceptional feedback that makes us proud to serve homeowners in Denver.
We encourage you to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation examination with one of our experienced project managers. We take pride in our customer service, and one of our professionals can evaluate your current insulation. As part of our evaluation, we conduct energy audits and help you decide what type of insulation is best. With the help of attic insulation specialists, you’ll experience a more comfortable home and increased savings.
Contact Colorado Insulation and Whole House Fans today and request a free inspection. Contact us today to take the first step to save more money and enjoying your home in every type of Denver weather.
