Keeping your attic space warm with proper insulation will help keep your energy bills low and protect your home from freezing temperatures.
You do not have to use heating equipment to increase attic temperatures. Instead, turn to insulation like fiberglass, spray foam, and cellulose insulation to keep your attic space toasty.
Below, we go into more detail about fixing poor insulation to keep your home safe during the winter months.
Should My Attic Be Cold in the Winter?
Heat naturally rises, so you would think that the attic should always be warmer than other parts of your house.
One of the best ways to keep your attic at least somewhat warm during the coldest months of the year is to insulate it properly. Many experts would agree that high-quality insulation is the best way to go, but we’ll also list other methods of warming up your attic.
Insulating your attic walls will go a long way when it comes to keeping warmth in. You can leave the insulation exposed if your attic space is only meant for storage. However, it is better to cover attic insulation with drywall for safety and appearance.
One of the most important things to know when choosing attic insulation is its R-value. This metric indicates how resistant insulation is against extremely icy temperatures. Basically, the higher the R-value of insulation, the better it is for keeping out the cold.
Keep in mind that the R-value you require depends on your local weather. Hot climates generally don’t need a high R-value.
Some good options to consider for keeping your attic space comfortable and warming up your home are fiberglass batt insulation, cellulose insulation, and spray foam insulation.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Even if you have never installed insulation before, you are probably familiar with fiberglass batt insulation. This is one of the most popular types of insulation and looks just like cotton candy.
Two things that make fiberglass batt insulation one of the most commonly used are how cheap it is and the fact it has an excellent R-value. Some of the benefits of fiberglass insulation are:
Lower power consumption for heating and air conditioning
High longevity since it resists rotting
Protection from mold and pests
Straightforward installation
Fire resistance
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is more efficient than fiberglass despite a lower R-value. But it is slightly more expensive. This type of insulation is ideal not just for walls but for ceilings as well. Advantages that come with cellulose insulation include:
Made from recycled materials, so it is more friendly for the environment
More resistant against fire than fiberglass insulation
Reduces wind washing
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is sold as a liquid. Once sprayed, the liquid solution thickens and becomes a durable foam.
This insulation effectively fills gaps, making an airtight seal that keeps heat from escaping. Some of the best advantages to using spray foam insulation for your attic space include:
High energy efficiency because the foam fills all gaps where heat could escape
Increases a home’s structural support
No vapor barrier
Other Ways to Keep your Attic Warm in the Winter
Adding insulation to your attic can certainly warm up your residence during the winter, but there are a few other methods you can try to make this happen:
Ventilate Your Attic
Knowing how to ventilate your attic during the winter will help protect your home and keep heating costs low. You can use attic fans and vents to better ventilate your attic.
Good attic ventilation is also essential to keep cooling costs down when summer comes. However, during the winter, ventilation in your attic helps keep moisture at bay.
Moisture in your attic can significantly affect how warm it is and lead to mold and mildew. These growths can damage any belongings you store in there.
Insulation is the best way to keep your attic warm in the winter. However, adequate ventilation and window coverings can also help you seal the attic. No matter which method you choose, be sure to get started long before winter arrives
