Attic Air Sealing & Insulation in Jasper, AL

Attic air sealing and insulation is the job that pays back fastest in most Walker County homes. The attic is where summer sun heats the house and where winter heat rises and escapes. In older homes, decades of wiring, plumbing vents, light fixtures and fans have punched holes through the ceiling, and the original insulation has settled to a few inches or less.

Air sealing

Air carries more heat through those holes than the insulation can stop. Before adding depth, we seal top plates, wire and pipe holes, gaps around lights and fans, flue chases, and the hatch or pull-down stairs. In older homes with open wall tops, where wall cavities open straight into the attic, we plug those too. In winter, sealing also keeps warm, damp house air from reaching the cold roof deck.

Depth

Alabama's code summary lists R-30 for ceilings in zone 3. The Department of Energy suggests R-49 to R-60 for an uninsulated attic, or adding R-38 to R-49 on top of 3 to 4 inches. Blown cellulose or fiberglass reaches those values at a modest cost. We write the target R-value and settled depth on the quote and leave depth markers in the attic.

When foam fits

If ducts or the air handler are in the attic, foam on the roof deck puts them inside the insulated space. In vaulted ceilings, foam may be the only practical option. HomeGuide lists roof deck foam at $1,500 to $9,000 and attic floor foam at $1,100 to $6,800, so we price foam and blown-in side by side where both would work.

Cellulose or fiberglass

Cellulose is recycled paper treated for fire and pests and slows air somewhat. Fiberglass is lighter. Fixr lists fiberglass at $1.65 to $2.60 per square foot and cellulose at $1.75 to $3.80. Either works in a dry, vented attic.

Ventilation

Vented attics need open soffit vents. We put baffles at the eaves before blowing, and if the attic is short on ventilation we mention it so your roofer can address it. Get a free estimate