What's the Best Insulation for the Attic?

California homeowners may not be as experienced with attic insulation as homeowners in colder states who experience harsh winters. But attic insulation provides real benefits to homes in all climates, because home insulation stops the transmission of heat. In the winter, that means keeping warm air inside. But in warmer climates, it means keeping the heat out during hot dry summers.

Upgrading Attic Insulation Cuts Cooling Costs

At Greencat, we often find that the attic insulation in California homes is old, compacted, damp, and sometimes infested with pests. Once attic insulation is damaged, it's not able to accomplish what it’s designed to do, and if your home’s attic insulation has been compromised, you may have noticed some of the symptoms of attic insulation that needs an upgrade: rising cooling costs, AC that runs constantly, and drafty rooms that are never comfortable. But what’s the best kind of insulation to solve these problems for your home?

Types of Attic Insulation

Insulating attics is commonly done with one of three materials: 

• Fiberglass 

• Spray foam 

• Cellulose 

All three perform well in attic spaces, but at Greencat we’ve learned that blown-in fiberglass and spray foam are the best insulation materials for attic ceilings in California climates. Fiberglass is inexpensive and provides excellent insulation performance. Greencat uses blown-in fiberglass shreds for even and complete coverage that isn’t always achieved with fiberglass batts. Spray foam insulation is another great option, especially when expertly installed by Greencat’s insulation pros. With spray foam insulation the key is even, controlled application to the optimal depth. Cellulose is another insulation option, but its appeal to rodents makes it less desirable.

How Is Insulation Installed in the Attic?

The first step to upgrading your California home’s insulation is removing the existing insulation. Attic insulation removal improves the performance of your new insulation and eliminates the old, damaged material. Once the attic is cleared of old insulation, the Greencat Insulation team can begin installation. If you’re opting for blown-in fiberglass insulation, air sealing with spray foam sealant first can ensure that the fiberglass will perform as expected. If you’ve selected spray foam insulation, the foam seals and insulates the attic in a single application.

Get Started With an Energy Assessment

Stop guessing about what type of attic insulation is best for your home with an energy assessment from the pros at Greencat. We’ll provide you with a complete analysis of your home’s insulation using blower door tests and thermal imaging to determine the best solution for your California home. Our expert team has many years of experience evaluating energy efficiency and installing attic insulation. We can help you make impactful improvements that will work best for your home. 

No matter what type of attic insulation you select, you can count on professional installation with Greencat! Call or contact us today to learn more.