It’s no secret that insulation is an essential part of any home. The right kind of insulation can keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer while also helping to reduce your energy bills. But did you know that there are different types of insulation?

Let’s compare vented attics vs. unvented attics. We will also discuss sealing a vented attic using spray foam insulation, cellulose insulation, and loose-fill or blown-in insulation.


Sealing a Vented Attic

When it comes to energy efficiency, the attic is one of the most important areas of the home. Hot air rises, so the heat builds up in the attic during the summer and can seep into the living space below. In the winter, warm air escapes through the attic, causing the home to lose heat, which increases energy bills.

Attic ventilation is essential for keeping the temperature stable, but it also creates an opportunity for hot or cold air to enter the home. Sealing a vented attic can help improve energy efficiency by preventing heat loss in the winter and reducing the amount of heat entering the house in the summer.

In addition, sealing an attic can also help to reduce noise levels and keep out dust, pollen, and other allergens. As a result, sealing a vented attic is an important step in creating a comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Here is some additional information on sealing your vented attic from Energy Star.


Spray Foam Insulation in Vented Attic

One of the best ways to seal a vented attic is spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation expands to fill any cracks or gaps, creating a tight seal that prevents heat loss in the winter and keeps out unwanted hot air in the summer. Its air-impermeable insulation prevents air leakage and is perfect for attic spaces. Spray foam insulation also helps to reduce noise levels and keep out dust, pollen, and other allergens. As a result, closed-cell spray foam insulation is ideal for sealing vented and unvented attics.


Cellulose Insulation in Vented Attic

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper and other paper products. In a vented or unvented attic, it is installed over the top of the existing insulation and between the rafters or the underside of the roof. Cellulose insulation has a high R-value, which means it is an effective insulator and is air-permeable insulation. It also contains a fire retardant, making it safer than other types of insulation.

The main disadvantage of cellulose insulation is that it can settle over time, creating gaps and voids. However, this can be prevented by properly installing it and ensuring that the vents are clear. Overall, cellulose insulation is an effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your heating and cooling costs.


Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation in Vented Attic

One of the most important things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to ensure that your attic is adequately insulated. There are two types of attic insulation commonly used: loose-fill insulation and blown-in insulation.

Loose-fill insulation is made of small pieces of insulation material, such as fiberglass or cellulose, spread evenly throughout the attic space. Blown-in insulation is made of larger pieces of insulation material that are blown into the attic using a special machine. Both loose-fill and blown-in insulation can effectively prevent heat from escaping from your home, but they have different advantages and disadvantages.

Loose-fill insulation is often considered more effective at preventing heat loss than blown-in insulation because it conforms to the contours of the attic space and creates a tight seal. However, loose-fill insulation can be more challenging to install than blown-in insulation, and it can also be more expensive.

Blown-in insulation is less expensive than loose-fill insulation and is easier to install, but it doesn’t conform as well to the contours of the attic space and may not create as tight a seal. Ultimately, the type of insulation you choose should be based on your budget and the specific needs of your home.


What Happens If Attic Is Not Vented?

Ventilation is an essential component of any attic. The attic can quickly become overheated without proper ventilation and become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other pests. Additionally, without proper ventilation, the air in the attic will be trapped and unable to circulate freely. This can cause moisture buildup and dampen everything from insulation to wood beams to roof sheathing. In cold climates, ice dams can be a serious issue, eventually leading to structural damage.

You can prevent these issues by ensuring that your attic and roof deck has adequate ventilation. Some ways to do this include installing windows or installing fans that ventilate air out of the attic space. Properly insulating your attic floor and the side walls is essential for keeping your attic air-tight.

Another option is to hire a professional who can either add vents or create pathways between different areas to maximize airflow. With thoughtful planning and proper maintenance, it is possible to keep your attic well-ventilated and prevent unwanted damage and issues down the line.


Can I Add a Vent to My Current Attic Floor?

When adding a vent to your unvented attic, there are several important factors to keep in mind. You must adhere to certain requirements for unvented attic assemblies along with adding vents such as soffit vents or ridge vents.

Ultimately, any decision on vent placement and type should be made based on careful consideration of these key factors.


Contact Wattson Home Solutions For Help With Your Attic Ventilation and Insulation

As the experts in energy efficiency and insulation, we are your one-stop contractor. Our team of professionals can assist with your insulation needs and ensure your attic is well ventilated to preserve the structural integrity of your home. Need help with air sealing? We can air seal throughout the whole house.


Contact our office
 today and schedule an appointment.

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