While the goal of insulation in summer is to keep heat out of the house, winter insulation in the attic functions to hold heat indoors. Ground zero for both heat gain and heat loss in a home is the attic. In winter, heat produced by your furnace naturally rises, infiltrating through the ceiling into the attic and eventually escaping through the roof. The potential amount of heat loss through the attic is estimated to be at least 25%.
How Much Is Needed?
The performance of winter insulation types is expressed by the R-rating per inch of depth. The higher the R-rating, the more effectively the material resists the flow of heat. Per the Department of Energy’s guidance on insulation zones, a residential attic here in Terre Haute should be insulated to a level of R38 up to R60.
What Kind Is Best?
- Fiberglass batts are the least-expensive option and provide an R-rating of 2.9 up to 3.4 per inch. These rollout lengths are precut to fit the standard width between attic joists, and they are easily installed. However, fiberglass batts may not adequately cover nonstandard or odd-sized spaces, which will require special cutting to fit.
- Cellulose loose-fill is composed of small fragments of recycled paper material treated with fire retardant. Blown in through hoses under air pressure, cellulose provides superior coverage in an attic, readily filling all spaces, no matter the shape or size. Cellulose also offers good R-rating as high as 4.0 per inch and is a highly effective noise barrier too. Additional amounts can be readily added to improve heat resistance if desired.
- Spray polyurethane foam is applied in a liquid state and dries to a very solid, permanent substance. It provides the highest R-factor per inch with a rating of 7. Spray polyurethane, however, is the most expensive option, and application requires specialized equipment and experienced personnel. Another factor to consider: Polyurethane applied to the structure is not readily removable in the event you need to remove this type of winter insulation in the future.
Will your winter insulation keep you warm this year? Ask Paitson Bros., as we’ve been helping Terre Haute residents stay comfortable in all seasons since 1922.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922