Attic insulation is the single most important energy upgrade for your home—accounting for approximately 50% of your home's total insulation value. If you're going to invest in one improvement, this is it.
Proper attic insulation and air sealing in the right places will dramatically reduce your energy bills and improve comfort throughout your home. With a thorough inspection, we can locate all leaky areas and potential sources of energy loss—and fix them with proven, professional solutions.
Many homes built before the 1960s have little to no attic insulation. Even homes from the 1970s through 1990s often have inadequate insulation by today's standards. We've seen some pretty poor construction over the years, and it's not always the builder's fault—they simply didn't have access to the knowledge and materials available today.
Where Your Home Loses Energy
The Energy Efficiency Breakdown
Attic Insulation – The most important area. Heat rises, making your attic the primary source of energy loss.
Crawl Space/Floor – Second most important. Cold floors mean your heating system works overtime.
Wall Insulation – Least critical. Installing quality windows and doors is more cost-effective than wall insulation.
Why Attic Insulation is Critical
Your attic is the barrier between your conditioned living space and the extreme temperatures outside. Without adequate insulation, you're essentially trying to heat and cool the outdoors—an expensive and impossible task.
Winter Comfort
Heat naturally rises. Without proper attic insulation, your expensive heated air escapes right through the ceiling, forcing your furnace to run constantly.
Summer Cooling
Summer sun can heat your attic to 150°F or more. That heat radiates down into your living space, overwhelming your air conditioner.
Lower Energy Bills
Most homeowners see 20-30% reductions in heating and cooling costs after proper attic insulation. The investment typically pays for itself within 3-5 years.
Consistent Temperatures
Eliminate hot and cold spots. Properly insulated homes maintain even temperatures throughout, with no more ice-cold bedrooms or stuffy upper floors.
Did You Know? According to Energy Star, proper attic insulation can save the average homeowner 15% on heating and cooling costs—or an average of 11% on total energy costs. In the Triad area with our hot, humid summers and cold winters, those savings can be even higher.
Premium Insulation Products We Use
We exclusively use top-tier, formaldehyde-free insulation products that deliver superior performance and are safe for your family.
Climate Pro® by Johns Manville
Climate Pro is a premium blown-in fiber glass insulation designed specifically for attics. This advanced insulation system provides exceptional thermal performance while being completely formaldehyde-free—safer for your family and the installers.
Formaldehyde-Free: Safe, no off-gassing or harmful chemicals
Superior R-Value: Maximum thermal resistance per inch
Fire Resistant: Class A fire rating for safety
Won't Settle: Maintains thickness and R-value over time
Pest Resistant: Doesn't attract rodents or insects
Mold & Moisture Resistant: Won't support mold growth
Why We Choose Climate Pro: After years of testing various products, Climate Pro consistently delivers the best combination of performance, safety, and value. Johns Manville is a trusted name with over 160 years of experience in insulation manufacturing.
Alternative: Owens Corning ProPink® & CertaSpray®
We also work with Owens Corning products when specified or preferred by customers. Their blown-in insulation and spray foam systems are high-quality alternatives with excellent performance characteristics.
Recommended Insulation Levels for North Carolina
The Department of Energy recommends specific R-values (thermal resistance ratings) based on your climate zone. Greensboro and the Triad area fall into Climate Zone 4, which requires higher insulation levels than many homeowners realize.
Energy Star Recommendations for Climate Zone 4
Attic
Unfinished attic space
Cathedral Ceiling
Vaulted or exposed beam ceilings
Floors Over Unheated Space
Above garages, crawl spaces, etc.
What Does This Mean in Real Terms?
- R-49 to R-60 typically requires 14-19 inches of blown fiberglass insulation
- Most homes built before 2000 have only R-19 to R-30 in the attic
- Homes built before 1980 often have R-11 or less (as little as 3-4 inches)
- Adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective energy improvements you can make
Our Professional Installation Process
Proper attic insulation isn't just about blowing in material. It requires careful inspection, air sealing, preparation, and precise installation to achieve maximum energy savings and performance.
Comprehensive Attic Inspection
We start with a thorough inspection of your attic space to identify:
- Current insulation levels and condition
- Air leakage points (bypasses, penetrations, gaps)
- Ventilation adequacy (soffit vents, ridge vents, gable vents)
- Moisture issues, roof leaks, or mold
- Electrical fixtures that need IC-rated covers
- Attic access insulation requirements
Critical Air Sealing
This is the step most contractors skip—but it's essential! Before adding insulation, we seal all air leakage points with foam or caulk:
- Top plates (where walls meet the attic floor)
- Penetrations for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
- Recessed light fixtures (can't lights)
- Attic hatch or door perimeter
- Chimney chases and duct chases
- Wire and pipe penetrations
Why This Matters: Air leaks can account for 25-40% of heating and cooling energy loss. Sealing these before insulating is critical—once covered by insulation, they're nearly impossible to fix later.
Preparation & Protection
Before blowing in insulation, we:
- Install or verify proper attic ventilation baffles (rafter vents)
- Install IC-rated protective covers over recessed lights
- Mark and protect HVAC equipment, platforms, and walkways
- Create dam barriers around attic access openings
- Protect living spaces below with drop cloths
- Set up professional insulation blowing equipment
Expert Insulation Installation
Using professional-grade blowing equipment, we install Climate Pro insulation to the recommended R-value:
- Achieve uniform coverage with no gaps or voids
- Install depth markers so you can verify proper R-value
- Maintain proper clearance around heat sources
- Ensure ventilation pathways remain clear
- Fill all corners, edges, and hard-to-reach areas
- Add extra insulation to attic access door/hatch
Final Inspection & Cleanup
We complete every job with:
- Final quality inspection to verify proper coverage and depth
- Thorough cleanup of all work areas
- Installation certificate showing R-value achieved
- Recommendations for additional energy improvements if applicable
- Answer any questions about insulation performance and maintenance
Enjoy Long-Term Savings
Most homeowners notice an immediate improvement in comfort, with lower energy bills arriving within the first month. Climate Pro insulation is designed to last the lifetime of your home without settling or losing R-value.
Common Attic Insulation Problems We Fix
Over our decades of experience, we've seen it all. Here are the most common issues we encounter and how we fix them:
❌ Insufficient Insulation Depth
Problem: Most older homes have 3-6 inches of insulation (R-11 to R-19) when they need 14-19 inches (R-49 to R-60).
Solution: We add Climate Pro blown insulation on top of existing insulation to bring it up to current Energy Star standards.
❌ Unsealed Air Leaks (Bypasses)
Problem: Hidden gaps around pipes, wires, chimneys, and walls allow massive air leakage—often accounting for 40% of energy loss.
Solution: Professional air sealing with spray foam and caulk before installing insulation. This step alone can reduce energy bills by 20%.
❌ Compressed or Damaged Insulation
Problem: Old fiberglass batts get compressed, wet, or damaged by pests, losing most of their insulating value.
Solution: Remove damaged insulation and replace with fresh blown-in Climate Pro that won't compress or settle.
❌ Blocked or Inadequate Ventilation
Problem: Insulation pushed into eaves blocks soffit vents, causing moisture buildup and reducing insulation effectiveness.
Solution: Install proper ventilation baffles (rafter vents) to maintain airflow from soffits to ridge while allowing full insulation depth.
❌ Uninsulated Attic Access
Problem: Attic hatches, pull-down stairs, and access doors are often uninsulated and unsealed—creating a massive energy leak.
Solution: Insulate and weatherstrip attic access points with rigid foam board and compression seals to stop air leakage.
❌ Recessed Lights (Can Lights) Fire Hazard
Problem: Non-IC rated recessed lights can't be covered with insulation, leaving gaps. Covering them anyway creates a fire hazard.
Solution: Install IC-rated protective covers over fixtures so they can be safely buried in insulation without fire risk or energy loss.
❌ Insulation Gaps & Voids
Problem: Fiberglass batts leave gaps at edges, corners, and around framing—places where heat escapes most readily.
Solution: Blown-in insulation fills every crack, corner, and void completely, eliminating thermal bypasses and creating a continuous thermal barrier.
❌ Ductwork in Unconditioned Attic
Problem: HVAC ducts running through hot attics lose 20-30% of heating and cooling energy even when "insulated."
Solution: We recommend burying ducts in insulation (where code allows) and sealing all duct connections to minimize energy loss. Consider spray foam encapsulation for maximum efficiency.
Professional Spray Foam Insulation Services
For certain applications—particularly cathedral ceilings, bonus rooms, and metal buildings—spray foam insulation offers superior performance to traditional blown insulation.
Expert In-House Spray Foam Installation
4 Seasons Insulation now provides professional spray foam insulation services in-house. Our experienced team is trained and certified to install both open cell and closed cell spray foam systems, ensuring the highest quality results for your home. We use premium products and proven installation techniques to deliver maximum energy efficiency and performance.
Open Cell Spray Foam
- R-3.5 to R-3.7 per inch
- Excellent sound dampening
- Expands to fill all gaps
- Semi-permeable (allows some moisture movement)
- More affordable option
- Ideal for interior walls and ceilings
Closed Cell Spray Foam
- R-6 to R-7 per inch
- Structural strength (adds rigidity)
- Complete air and vapor barrier
- Moisture resistant
- Highest R-value per inch
- Best for rooflines and exterior applications
When to Consider Spray Foam: Cathedral ceilings, bonus rooms over garages, metal buildings, rim joists, and situations where you need maximum R-value in limited space. While more expensive than blown insulation, spray foam provides unmatched air sealing and moisture control.
Return on Investment & Energy Savings
Attic insulation is one of the fastest-payback home improvements you can make. Most homeowners in the Triad area see their investment returned within 3-5 years through lower energy bills.
Average Energy Bill Reduction
Years to Full Payback
Years of Performance
Example Savings for a Typical 2,000 sq ft Home:
Additional Benefits Beyond Energy Savings:
- Increased home resale value (Energy Star homes sell for 2-4% more)
- Improved comfort and consistent temperatures throughout the home
- Reduced wear on HVAC system (extends equipment life by 3-5 years)
- Better soundproofing from outside noise
- Reduced carbon footprint and environmental impact
- Potential utility rebates and tax credits (ask us about current programs)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much insulation do I need in my attic?
For homes in the Triad area (Climate Zone 4), Energy Star recommends R-49 to R-60 in unfinished attics. This typically means 14-19 inches of blown fiberglass insulation. We'll measure your current insulation during our free inspection and recommend the appropriate amount to add.
Can you add new insulation over old insulation?
Yes, in most cases! As long as your existing insulation is dry and in decent condition, we can add new blown insulation right on top. However, if the old insulation is wet, moldy, or severely compressed, we'll recommend removing it first. We always perform air sealing before adding new insulation—this critical step is often missed by other contractors.
How long does attic insulation installation take?
Most residential attic insulation jobs take 4-8 hours, depending on the size of your attic and the amount of air sealing required. We can typically complete the entire project in a single day with minimal disruption to your household.
Is Climate Pro insulation safe?
Absolutely. Climate Pro is completely formaldehyde-free, has low VOCs, and is safe for families and installers. It's also fire-resistant (Class A rating), won't support mold growth, and doesn't attract pests. Unlike some cellulose products, it won't settle or lose R-value over time.
Will more insulation make my attic too hot in summer?
Actually, the opposite! More insulation keeps summer heat in your attic from radiating down into your living space. Your attic will still get hot (that's normal and necessary for proper ventilation), but that heat won't transfer into your home. Proper ventilation is essential—we ensure soffit and ridge vents remain clear when adding insulation.
Do I need to remove old insulation first?
Not usually. If your existing insulation is in good condition (dry, no mold, not severely compressed), we can add new insulation on top. However, we will recommend removal if we find moisture damage, mold, extensive pest contamination, or if the old insulation is so compressed it's no longer effective. Removal and disposal adds to project cost but is sometimes necessary for best results.
What about my recessed lights (can lights)?
This is a critical safety issue. Non-IC rated recessed lights cannot be covered with insulation due to fire risk. We install IC-rated protective covers over these fixtures, allowing them to be safely buried in insulation without overheating. This eliminates the energy leak while maintaining safety. IC-rated covers are included in our standard installation process.
When will I see savings on my energy bills?
You'll likely notice improved comfort immediately—more consistent temperatures and fewer drafts. Energy bill savings typically appear within the first full billing cycle (30 days). Savings are most dramatic during temperature extremes: winter heating bills and summer cooling bills. Most homeowners report 15-30% reduction in heating and cooling costs.
Are there rebates or tax credits available?
Yes! Energy efficiency programs change frequently, but there are often federal tax credits, state rebates, and utility company incentives available for insulation upgrades. We stay current on available programs and can help you understand what you qualify for. Ask during your free estimate about current rebate opportunities.
Ready to Start Saving Energy?
Get a free, no-obligation attic inspection and estimate. We'll show you exactly what your home needs and how much you can save.