Spray Foam Insulation in the Attic - Chesapeake, VA

Challenge

This attic is currently insulated with blown-in and batt fiberglass. It is also home to the HVAC system for the second floor of the home. 

This family is noticing high energy bills in the home as well as some sweating from the ductwork. They are looking for a solution that will help to stop the sweating ducts and help to lower their energy bills, especially in the hottest and coldest months of the year when the unit seems to run all the time. 

Upon inspection of the attic, we found that it was insulated with loose-fill and batt fiberglass. In some places, the insulation was so shallow, it didn't cover the floor joists. The ductwork in the attic sat atop the insulation, exposed to the extreme conditions of the attic. 

Solution

To address the attic we began by removing all of the insulation. Now, our technicians apply an R-21 of closed-cell spray foam insulation to the attic rafters. Beginning at 1.5 inches, this product acts as an air and moisture barrier. The last step is adding an intumescent thermal barrier coating on top of the insulation and a hygrometer to monitor the relative humidity in the space. 

Insulating from the rafters helps to reduce conditioned air loss and control extreme temperatures in the attic during the winter and summer months, helping to prevent the ducts from sweating. Less conditioned air loss means less new air needs to be conditioned which results in less wear and tear on your HVAC unit. This leaves the homeowner with lower energy bills and they are more comfortable in their home.