It’s warm most of the year here in Southern California, so having a properly insulated home is important not just for staying cool but also saving money. Attic insulation is a good place to start. Are you wondering what the best type of insulation is for your small space?
Every home is unique, even if only slightly, and your local insulation company will be able to assess your situation and determine the right solutions. What is the right solution for your attic and home?
The Best Insulation for Small Attics
What is the best insulation for a small attic? This is a question you may be asking yourself. In reality, there are other questions you should be asking to determine the right type of insulation for your space. Attic size isn’t as important as:
- Where you live
- How much insulation you already have in your attic (many older homes—built in the 1970s or earlier—don’t have enough insulation)
- What type of HVAC system you have
- What is in your attic
- And more
That said, because your attic is small doesn’t mean air is less likely to leak out! It’s extra important to ensure the space is properly insulated.
The climate you live in, your current insulation levels and what is in your attic will be the most significant factors.
Source: energystar.gov
Here in Los Angeles and San Diego, we are in zone 3, where the recommended levels are R30 – R60 for attic spaces that aren’t insulated, R25 – R38 for attics with existing layers of insulation.
If you already have insulation in your attic, we can recommend the right solution—whether that’s adding more insulation on top of existing layers or removing old or damaged insulation and replacing it.
Insulation Materials
In warmer climates, radiant barriers under the roofline are often used. It should be used in conjunction with a thermal material, such as fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is available in batt and blown-in/loose-fill form.
Batt insulation works well in attics with:
- Standard joist spacing
- Few obstructions (like piping, wires, etc.)
- Sufficient headroom
Blown-in insulation works well in attics with:
- Irregular joist spacing
- Many pipes, wiring and other obstructions
- Limited headroom
- Existing insulation that fills gaps well and just needs to be topped off
No matter how small your attic is, what obstructions are in the space and what material is used, it’s recommended to make sure your space is properly air sealed and ventilated.
Call Us to Insulate Your Attic!
If you’re looking for insulation contractors in the Los Angeles or San Diego area, call OJ Insulation. We would love to help you start living more energy efficiently and comfortably! Contact us to learn more about our services or to get started with a free estimate.
