One of the most effective ways property owners can save money on heating and cooling costs throughout the year is by making sure the building has enough insulation. Insulation plays a key role in minimizing heat loss that occurs through the roof and walls of the building. A qualified Atlanta roofer can evaluate commercial and residential buildings to determine if they have the proper amount of insulation.
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.
R-value standards for buildings are determined by the Department of Energy. The most important factor in assigning R-value standards is the climate. A building in a region with a mild climate requires insulation with a lower R-value. Conversely, buildings that experience extreme temperatures require insulation with a higher R-value.
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.
A local roofer can inspect the existing insulation and determine if more is necessary. The three most popular types of insulation are foam, fiberglass, and cellulose. The roofing expert can assist the consumer in choosing the right type. With the right insulation, building owners will save money on monthly energy bills. Increasing the building's energy efficiency has the added benefit of saving wear and tear on the heating and cooling system.
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.
R-value standards for buildings are determined by the Department of Energy. The most important factor in assigning R-value standards is the climate. A building in a region with a mild climate requires insulation with a lower R-value. Conversely, buildings that experience extreme temperatures require insulation with a higher R-value.
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.
A local roofer can inspect the existing insulation and determine if more is necessary. The three most popular types of insulation are foam, fiberglass, and cellulose. The roofing expert can assist the consumer in choosing the right type. With the right insulation, building owners will save money on monthly energy bills. Increasing the building's energy efficiency has the added benefit of saving wear and tear on the heating and cooling system.
About the Author:
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 How to Choose Best Roofer Atlanta, GA he suggests you visit his friend's atMr. Roofer of Atlanta.