One of the most effective ways property owners can save money on heating and cooling costs throughout the year is by making sure the building has enough insulation. Insulation plays a key role in minimizing heat loss that occurs through the roof and walls of the building. A qualified Atlanta roofer can evaluate commercial and residential buildings to determine if they have the proper amount of insulation.
When running the air conditioner during the summer, hot air from outside naturally flows inside where the air is cooler. During the winter, the opposite occurs as heated air from inside flows into the attic, garage, and other unheated spaces. Insulation acts as a physical barrier to block the flow of hot air.
All insulation products are rated by an industry standard known as the R-value. Insulation with a higher R-value has greater thermal resistance. The type of material, its thickness, and its density are what determines the insulation's R-value.
The US Department of Energy is responsible for setting R-value standards for buildings all across the country. Climate is one of the biggest factors involved in assigning the proper R-value. Buildings in regions with extremely high or low temperatures require insulation with a higher resistance to heat.
The attic is usually the least energy efficient zone in any building because there is no system to heat or cool it and it frequently lacks sufficient ventilation. The attic in the winter will be approximately the same temperature as the outdoor air. During the summer, it can be up to 40 degrees hotter than outdoors. Installing the right insulation can reduce the heat loss.
Any professional roofer can inspect a building's existing insulation to determine its R-value. The DOE occasionally changes the standards based on climate data. This means an older building, which had the proper R-value at the time, does not comply with current standards. Installing additional insulation will raise the R-value and result in lower energy bills year round.
The heating and cooling system does not have to work as hard in a building with the correct amount of insulation. In addition to lowering monthly energy bills, ensuring the insulation meets current standards can extend the lifespan of the heating and cooling system saving the building owner the expense of premature replacement. There are many types of insulation but the three most common are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. An experienced roofer can outline the advantages and disadvantages of each type to assist the consumer in making an informed purchasing decision.
When running the air conditioner during the summer, hot air from outside naturally flows inside where the air is cooler. During the winter, the opposite occurs as heated air from inside flows into the attic, garage, and other unheated spaces. Insulation acts as a physical barrier to block the flow of hot air.
All insulation products are rated by an industry standard known as the R-value. Insulation with a higher R-value has greater thermal resistance. The type of material, its thickness, and its density are what determines the insulation's R-value.
The US Department of Energy is responsible for setting R-value standards for buildings all across the country. Climate is one of the biggest factors involved in assigning the proper R-value. Buildings in regions with extremely high or low temperatures require insulation with a higher resistance to heat.
The attic is usually the least energy efficient zone in any building because there is no system to heat or cool it and it frequently lacks sufficient ventilation. The attic in the winter will be approximately the same temperature as the outdoor air. During the summer, it can be up to 40 degrees hotter than outdoors. Installing the right insulation can reduce the heat loss.
Any professional roofer can inspect a building's existing insulation to determine its R-value. The DOE occasionally changes the standards based on climate data. This means an older building, which had the proper R-value at the time, does not comply with current standards. Installing additional insulation will raise the R-value and result in lower energy bills year round.
The heating and cooling system does not have to work as hard in a building with the correct amount of insulation. In addition to lowering monthly energy bills, ensuring the insulation meets current standards can extend the lifespan of the heating and cooling system saving the building owner the expense of premature replacement. There are many types of insulation but the three most common are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. An experienced roofer can outline the advantages and disadvantages of each type to assist the consumer in making an informed purchasing decision.
About the Author:
Andrew B. Spates is a home improvement specialist who helps individual homeowners make the right choices to protect their home investment. If you are interested in learning more about Atlanta Roof Repair Company he suggests you click here to learn more.
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