Wondering why it's so hot in your attic?
It's safe to say most homeowners don't spend a whole lot of time in their attics, not knowing how hot or cold it actually gets in these spaces.
During the summer months, attics can get especially hot. Since hot air rises, the warm air in your home has nowhere to go but up. By the time it reaches your attic, it can get as high as 140 degrees! Without proper ventilation or a means to prevent buildup of heat in your attic, all that trapped heat can wreak havoc in your home or business—breaking down asphalt shingles over time and causing your air conditioner to work harder, sending utility costs through the roof (no pun intended).
Thankfully, there are inexpensive ways to prevent heat buildup in your attic. Here are several easy and affordable ways to cool your attic and cut down on your energy costs over time.
1. Pull the heat out of your attic with an attic fan
Designed specifically to pull hot air out of the attic, an electric attic fan automatically activates when the space reaches a certain temperature, generally over 100 degrees. Attic fans ensure there is a regular air flow through this space to prevent things like ice damming, mold buildup, and keep your roof protected -- all while helping to keep your house cooler in the summer.
To ensure safe and optimal function, we recommend hiring a certified electrician to install the fan.
2. Reflect the heat away with EcoFoil® Attic Insulation
Our Perforated Radiant Barrier Foil is the perfect product specifically for attic foil insulation. It's designed to reflect radiant heat back to its source, while tiny perforations in the material allow air (and moisture) to pass through. The passage of air is important in attic applications to prevent buildup of condensation, which can lead to mold and mildew. For this reason, it is recommended that homeowners avoid using solid radiant barrier in their attics and instead choosing the perforated variety.
Radiant barrier attic insulation offers an array of benefits:
- Effective: This type of attic insulation redirects up to 97% of radiant heat back towards its source (in this case—the sun!)
- Easy to Install: EcoFoil can be installed in just a few hours by 1 or 2 people, with just standard scissors and a staple gun
- Safe: As a Class 1/Class A flame retardant radiant barrier, this attic insulation requires no special clothing or protective equipment during installation, and leaves no debris behind
- Durability: EcoFoil is virtually indestructible and difficult to tear
Reflective attic insulation is widely considered the most effective method of reducing attic heat. Made from 99% pure aluminum, EcoFoil works with traditional fiberglass or cellulose insulation to ensure an energy-efficient space. When it comes to insulating an attic, our reflective insulation can be installed in one of two ways.
Install reflective insulation on top of your joists (the floor of your attic):
or under your rafters (your attic's celing):
The method you choose will depend on a variety of factors. It's always a good idea to check local building codes. Our product experts are available to help estimate the amount of radiant barrier needed and help you decide on a solution that fits your unique situation. (see below for contact information)
3. Ventilate your attic with ridge vents
With this solution, a three-inch opening is cut into the side of the roof top and covered with a vent before replacing the shingles. This facilitates the flow of hot air out of the attic.
Ridge vents require no additional energy or electricity, although soffit vents will need to be installed along the eaves to ensure proper airflow. If you already have existing vents, check them to make sure they aren’t clogged with dirt, debris, or insulation.
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With the right ventilation or insulation, you can prevent your attic from turning into an empty—and expensive—sauna in the summer. To learn more, email us or call 888-349-3645.
