Comments on: Do One Thing: Add Ceiling Insulation For All Seasons. http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2010/07/14/do-one-thing-add-ceiling-insulation-for-all-seasons/ Sustainability, Environment, Progressive Politics, Peak Oil, Going Green. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:40:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Frank Schulte-Ladbeck http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2010/07/14/do-one-thing-add-ceiling-insulation-for-all-seasons/#comment-24774 Frank Schulte-Ladbeck Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:25:16 +0000 http://www.thegoodhuman.com/?p=2872#comment-24774 I would suggest finding out about the optimal amount of insulation for your area. For example, in my city R30 is the common amount, yet to be energy efficient we really need R48. I am glad that you mentioned not blocking the soffit vents, but I see many homes which forget that this passive method needs a ridge vent or vent in the field of the roof. The better the air flow going through your roof, the cooler your attic will be (and the longer your roof structure will last). Builders rarely insulate the entire attic. Any gap in insulation can be a drain on your efficiency. Attic doors are frequently a problem. After insulating, you can add a radiant barrier over the insulation. Further efficiency can be achieved by insulating air ducts, and then by painting your roof white or with another reflective paint (from experience, this can upset some neighbors though). I would suggest finding out about the optimal amount of insulation for your area. For example, in my city R30 is the common amount, yet to be energy efficient we really need R48. I am glad that you mentioned not blocking the soffit vents, but I see many homes which forget that this passive method needs a ridge vent or vent in the field of the roof. The better the air flow going through your roof, the cooler your attic will be (and the longer your roof structure will last).

Builders rarely insulate the entire attic. Any gap in insulation can be a drain on your efficiency. Attic doors are frequently a problem. After insulating, you can add a radiant barrier over the insulation. Further efficiency can be achieved by insulating air ducts, and then by painting your roof white or with another reflective paint (from experience, this can upset some neighbors though).

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