Cellulose Insulation in Kilmarnock, VA Attic

Challenge

This Kilmarnock, VA homeowner referred to us because they wanted to improve the insulation in their attic. They also wanted to achieve making the rooms in their home more comfortable and help lower their energy bills. At the inspection, we found that the attic had plank flooring and fiberglass insulation. the attic space was also home to heating and cooling equipment. This homeowner does not use their attic for storage but does need to maintain accessibility to mechanical equipment.

Solution

First, we removed the existing flooring planks and fiberglass insulation. We then used foam to seal all top plate edges, wire and plumbing holes, as well as bath fan and light fixture housings. Next, we installed a dam around the mechanical equipment platforms to protect it from the insulation and maintain accessibility. Finally, we blew in an R-49 of cellulose insulation. The Cellulose insulation used by The Drying Co. is 85% recycled materials such as news paper and 15% new material, it also contains a borate solution that helps deters pests.

This solution has helped make the home more comfortable by stopping conditioned air from escaping through utility penetrations and top plates. The R-49 of insulation resists the transfer of head from the attic to the rooms below in the summer and helps to prevent cold ceilings which impact the comfort of the rooms below in the winter. This results in lower energy bills for the homeowner and less wear and tear on the HVAC unit.