With our sweltering summers and chilly winters, weather in Delaware is always unpredictable. But when it comes to home comfort throughout every temperature swing, your attic and its insulation play a crucial role. As the Department of Energy notes, proper insulation is essential in managing heat flow and keeping your living spaces comfortable year-round. And your attic is the first place you should start!
Whether you are a Delaware homeowner upgrading your existing home or a builder creating a brand new home, let’s explore your attic insulation options from good, better, and best.
The Good: Blown-In Fiberglass
Blown-in fiberglass insulation is a popular choice for many Delaware homes. This type of insulation is relatively affordable and quick to install, making it an attractive option for homeowners and builders on a budget. While it effectively increases your attic’s R-value (resistance to heat flow), it’s important to note that blown-in fiberglass alone may not be sufficient to combat our humid Delaware summers. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and maintain your insulation’s effectiveness.
The Better: Blown-In Fiberglass with Air Sealing
For a more comprehensive approach, consider combining blown-in fiberglass with air sealing. This method addresses both insulation and air leakage, significantly improving home energy efficiency by insulating and sealing gaps and cracks around the attic. While it comes with a slightly higher upfront cost than fiberglass alone, and extra install time, the long-term benefits in terms of comfort and energy savings make it a worthwhile investment. It’s an ideal choice for Delaware homeowners and builders seeking a balance of affordability and performance who want to address drafts and air leaks.
Remember: Air sealing is crucial in our state to prevent conditioned air from escaping the attic around penetration points not addressed by standard blown in fiberglass.
The Best: Spray Foam Insulation
For homeowners and builders who want to prioritize maximum energy efficiency and long-term savings, spray foam insulation is the top choice. This innovative solution is a liquid foam that is sprayed onto your attic surfaces. It expands to fill every gap, creating a seamless barrier and offering the highest R-value per inch and excellent air sealing properties. It’s particularly well-suited for Delaware’s climate, as it resists both heat and moisture, preventing mold growth and ensuring consistent indoor temperatures. Even with its higher price tag, the amount you or future owners will save on energy bills and the decreased wear and tear on your HVAC system, make it worth every penny.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Ventilation!
When insulating your attic, it’s essential not to overlook proper ventilation. This is particularly important in our climate to prevent moisture buildup and protect your insulation investment. Consult a professional to help determine the optimal ventilation strategy for your home or building project.
Making the Right Choice for Your Delaware Home
Ultimately, the best attic insulation for your home depends on various factors, including your budget, comfort goals, and the specific characteristics of your Delaware home. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing one, investing in quality attic insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills.
The Importance of Proper Installation
Take note: Regardless of the type of insulation you choose, proper installation is key. That’s why working with experienced insulation contractors, like Delmarva Insulation, is crucial. We will assess your home’s specific needs and ensure the insulation for your attic is installed correctly for maximum effectiveness.
Maximize Your Home’s Comfort with Delmarva Insulation
Ready to make your Delaware home more comfortable and energy efficient? For the highest quality insulation in Delaware look no further than Delmarva Insulation. Our expert crew of insulation contractors has been providing insulation solutions to our Georgetown community and beyond since 2002. And we are ready to help you navigate your insulation options and choose the best insulation solution for your needs too. But our insulation services go beyond just your attic. Local homeowners and builders look to us for insulating solutions for every part of their home, including their crawl space and interior and exterior walls.
Don’t let another season go by with subpar insulation–take the first step towards a more comfortable, energy efficient home! Contact us today for a free attic insulation consultation for your Delaware home or building project.
