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Green Building Glossary

Even with Texas weather as hot as it is, our attics are the enemy of our utility bills--spring, summer, and fall.  

In our climate, heating our homes is not nearly as much of an issue as cooling our homes. If you're looking to remodel for energy efficiency and cut power consumption (also known as utility $$$), you must concentrate on cooling. 

Radiant energy from the sun is our foe . One way that radiant energy enters your home and mine is from the attic. 

Spring, summer, and fall your attic is much, much warmer than the outside air. The attic has aptly been called the " oven on top of our house." 

Compounding the problem is the fact that in most homes, air-conditioning ducts are installed in the attic. So the system must create cool air in the hottest part of the house, a situation that is "trying to make a popsicle in that oven."

The best way to remove that oven is to cool the attic. There are two realistic steps for cooling the attic.

1. Radiant barrier (not spray-on but the "real" thing) is good and definitely a step in the right direction. It is less expensive and less effective than #2, however.

2. Spray foam, although more expensive, is also more effective. This involves spraying an open-cell foam insulation against the top of the attic, sealing your attic to prevent transfer of heat from the roof into the open spaces of the attic. Outside ventilation sources are closed off, and the attic itself is cooled by leaks in the ductwork (if your ducts are in the attic)..

This brings the attic into what's called the "thermal envelope" of a house, but it is definitely a job for a professional, particularly if you have gas-powered appliances in the attic.

It also turns your attic into good storage or even a good hide-out spot.

For home remodels, contact Terry Jensen at 972 251-1532 or 817 545-0140.

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