Ensuring that a building has the proper amount of insulation is one of the most effective ways to control energy costs. Without enough insulation, a building may lose heat through the walls and roof causing energy bills to skyrocket out of control. With help from a qualified Atlanta roofer, any residential or commercial property owner can save money on heating and cooling year round.

The laws of thermodynamics dictate that warm air will naturally flow toward cooler areas. This means the cool air from an air conditioned building in the summer will attempt to flow outside. When the temperature drops outdoors, cool air from outside will try to flow toward the heated air inside.

The insulation’s density, type of material and thickness determines its level of resistance. The industry measures the resistance by a standard called the R-value. The higher the thermal resistance of an insulation product, the higher its R-value will be.

The US Department of Energy is responsible for setting R-value standards for buildings all across the country. Climate is one of the biggest factors involved in assigning the proper R-value. Buildings in regions with extremely high or low temperatures require insulation with a higher resistance to heat.

The attic is usually the least energy efficient zone in any building because there is no system to heat or cool it and it frequently lacks sufficient ventilation. The attic in the winter will be approximately the same temperature as the outdoor air. During the summer, it can be up to 40 degrees hotter than outdoors. Installing the right insulation can reduce the heat loss.

A reputable roofing contractor has the knowledge and tools to determine if a building’s insulation meets the current standards. Because the DOE adjusts the standards occasionally, an older building may not have as much insulation as it needs. Adding more is a relatively simple process that pays for itself with lower energy costs year round.

The heating and cooling system does not have to work as hard in a building with the correct amount of insulation. In addition to lowering monthly energy bills, ensuring the insulation meets current standards can extend the lifespan of the heating and cooling system saving the building owner the expense of premature replacement. There are many types of insulation but the three most common are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. An experienced roofer can outline the advantages and disadvantages of each type to assist the consumer in making an informed purchasing decision.

Andrew B. Spates is a home improvement specialist who helps individual homeowners make the right choices to protect their home investment. If you are interested in learning more about Atlanta Roofing Contractors he suggests you click here to learn more.