Professional Attic Insulation Services
in Hoover, Bessemer, Birmingham, AL & Surrounding Areas

Importance of Attic Insulation

Insulation provides a thermal barrier between a heat source and an adjacent space. Insulation keeps heat out during Birmingham’s hot summers and heat in during the cool winters. Roofs can reach temperatures as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit. That heat radiates down through the attic and into the living space. Attic insulation is one of the best ways to protect your home from summer heat gain. The Central Alabama Electric Cooperative recommends insulating attics to R-38. An R-value describes a material’s resistance to heat. The higher the number, the better the insulating value.

Types of Insulation

There are several types of insulation, including:

• Batting or rolls, made of fiberglass, cotton, mineral wool or cellulose.
• Blown-in and loose-fill, made of cellulose, mineral wool or fiberglass.
• Spray foam, either open-cell or closed-cell, made of several types of materials.
• Foam board or rigid foam panels.
• Radiant barriers.
• Structural insulated panels, prefabricated structural elements often used in new construction.

Each type of insulation has its own range of R-values, often expressed in R-value per inch. Batts range from 2.9 to 4.3 per inch and loose-fill from 2.2 to 3.8. Spay foam achieves higher R-values because it can fill small cavities and odd areas that other types of insulation cannot completely cover. Radiant barriers reflect heat and reduce heat transfer from the roof to the attic space. They are particularly effective in hot climates, reducing cooling costs by up to 10%.

Choosing Insulation

The insulation you choose depends on several factors, including the configuration of your attic, whether you already have insulation, cost, and ease of installation. The certified technicians at Total Comfort Heating and Air will evaluate your attic space, including square footage, configuration, and ease of covering the floor space. We also evaluate the amount and condition of existing insulation. We will talk with you about your indoor comfort needs, energy costs, lifestyle, and budget. Based on these factors, we recommend insulation materials that lower energy costs and improve comfort. Cooler interiors mean that your air conditioner will not have to work as hard, saving wear and tear on expensive equipment. For more information about attic insulation, call the experienced professionals at Total Comfort Heating and Air in Birmingham, Alabama.