When homeowners choose to add spray foam insulation to an existing attic, they typically have one main goal in mind – lower energy bills. Adding this type of insulation to an attic can reduce air leakage and help your home maintain a constant temperature throughout the year, saving money on heating and cooling costs.

If you’re planning on insulating your attic, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by assessing what’s already in place, including the R-value (insulation thickness), and checking for air leaks. It’s also a good idea to verify that you have proper attic ventilation. This will prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to mold and other health issues.

Depending on where your attic is located, you’ll need to ensure that it meets local building codes for proper attic ventilation. In addition, check your area’s energy standards to determine the minimum R-value recommended for your climate zone. You can find information on this by contacting your local utility company or consulting with a professional energy auditing company.

It’s also a good idea to hire a professional installer adding spray foam insulation to an existing attic for your project. A trained installer will be able to use an infrared camera and/or a visual inspection to locate potential areas of air leakage, which can be difficult to detect with just a visual inspection. Then, they’ll be able to accurately measure and install the correct amount of spray foam insulation.

When installing spray foam, it’s best to use open-cell spray foam because it expands more and forms a tighter seal than closed-cell foam. In addition, it’s less expensive than closed-cell foam.

If you are looking for a quick and cost-effective solution, DIY kits from home improvement stores are an option. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these kits are only effective for small-scale air sealing projects. A typical DIY kit costs around $400 and covers only about 200 square feet of attic space.

Once the spray foam is applied, it creates an air barrier that stops heat flow from the sun into your home. It doesn’t stop air leakage from the attic into your living spaces, but it significantly reduces it. In fact, air leakage accounts for up to 40 percent of your energy bill, according to the Department of Energy.

When it comes to reducing your energy costs, a combination of insulation and air sealing is the most efficient solution. In order to get the best results, homeowners should consider insulating and air sealing their entire home, rather than just their attic.

If you’re interested in making your attic more energy-efficient, contact RetroFoam of Michigan to schedule an in-home assessment. Our experienced team can provide a comprehensive list of options and recommendations for your home. We can even provide a free estimate for your next home energy upgrade. We look forward to helping you save energy and money! Amanda is a writer and content marketing specialist for RetroFoam of Michigan. She has a background as a breaking news and crime reporter, TV news producer, and editor in Flint and Detroit. She is passionate about writing content that will help educate and inspire home improvement enthusiasts. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and rescued huskies.