Attic Insulation
Kraft-faced Fiberglass Insulation
Attic Insulation
Reduces heat loss
Attic insulation is considered ideal for a home because it serves as the primary barrier against heat transfer, significantly improving energy efficiency, comfort, and structural longevity. Because heat rises in the winter and enters through the roof in the summer, insulating the attic—where up to 40% of home energy loss can occur—provides the highest return on investment for home energy upgrades.
Key Benefits of Attic Insulation
Kraft-faced rolled batt insulation is a fiberglass insulation product designed with an attached kraft paper vapor retarder, serving as both thermal insulation and a moisture barrier. It is ideal for walls, floors, and ceilings. Rolls are generally 15 or 23 inches wide and come in various R-values (R-11 to R-30) to fit standard stud spacing, ensuring energy efficiency and, when installed correctly, helping prevent mold.
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Key Features and Benefits
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Moisture Control: The kraft paper facing provides a vapor barrier that helps prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity.
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Easy Installation: Designed for fast application, particularly for long, uninterrupted joist or rafter bays in attics and floors.
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Staple Tabs: Many rolls feature flanges (tabs) on the paper, allowing them to be easily stapled to the side of wood studs.
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Versatile: Suitable for new construction or retrofitting in attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
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Sound Control: Provides added soundproofing benefits to reduce noise between rooms.
Attic Baffles
Attic baffles (or rafter vents) are foam or plastic channels installed between rafters in the eaves to prevent insulation from blocking airflow from soffit vents. They ensure proper attic ventilation, reducing moisture buildup, preventing ice dams, and improving energy efficiency. They are essential when adding attic insulation.
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Key Aspects of Attic Baffles
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Purpose: The primary purpose of attic baffles is to keep the air path from soffit vents clear, allowing air to circulate from the eaves to the ridge vent.
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Benefits: These components prevent mold and ice dams, extend the life of the roof, and increase overall energy efficiency.
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How They Work: They act as a, usually, rigid shield that channels air up along the underside of the roof deck, keeping the insulation from encroaching on the soffit area.
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Installation: Baffles are installed between each pair of rafters where insulation meets the roof deck, typically with a staple or by wedging them into place. They should extend from the top plate of the wall up along the rafter.
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Quantity Needed: Most homes require between 20 and 50 baffles, depending on the attic's size and rafter spacing.
