Why Attic Insulation Top-Ups Matter: The Key to Year-Round Energy Savings in Edmonton

Martha Laverde • October 28, 2025

Attic Insulation Top-Ups in Edmonton | Save Energy & Stay Warm

As temperatures drop in Alberta, many homeowners begin to feel drafts, cold ceilings, or uneven room temperatures. One of the most effective ways to fix these issues—and reduce your heating bills—is by adding more insulation to your attic. Known as an attic insulation top-up, this simple upgrade can dramatically improve comfort and energy efficiency.

What Is an Attic Insulation Top-Up?

An attic insulation top-up involves adding new insulation on top of your existing material to reach the recommended R-value for your region. In Edmonton and most of Alberta, that’s typically R-50 to R-60, which equals around 16 to 20 inches of total insulation.

If your attic has only 8 to 10 inches of insulation, you could be losing up to 25% of your home’s heat through the roof. A top-up fills those gaps, reducing heat loss and improving indoor temperature consistency.

Signs Your Attic Needs a Top-Up

High heating or cooling bills despite regular system maintenance
Uneven temperatures between floors or rooms
Drafts or cold ceilings in winter
Hot upper floors in summer
Visible insulation below the joists when you inspect the attic

If any of these apply, your home may benefit from a professional assessment.

The Benefits of a Properly Insulated Attic

Lower Energy Costs – With proper insulation, you can save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills annually.
Improved Comfort – Rooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Extended Roof Life – Balanced attic temperatures prevent ice dams and moisture buildup that can damage shingles.
Quieter Living Spaces – Additional insulation also helps reduce outside noise.
Higher Home Value – Energy-efficient upgrades are appealing to buyers and may qualify for rebates.

The Best Time to Do an Attic Top-Up

Fall is the ideal season for an attic insulation top-up in Edmonton. The weather is cool enough to work comfortably, and insulation upgrades completed before winter ensure you start saving on heating costs immediately. Plus, insulation contractors often have shorter wait times before peak winter demand hits.

What Materials Are Used?

At Aires, we typically recommend blown-in fiberglass insulation for top-ups. It’s clean, efficient, and non-combustible, with excellent thermal performance. It easily fills gaps around joists and wiring, ensuring a uniform blanket of protection. For homes requiring higher R-values or moisture resistance, spray foam insulation may be used in key areas such as rim joists or vaulted ceilings.

Professional Installation Matters

DIY insulation may seem tempting, but uneven coverage, blocked vents, or poor air sealing can reduce effectiveness. A professional installer will:

Check existing insulation depth and condition
Inspect for moisture, mold, or air leaks
Ensure attic vents remain open for proper airflow
Blow in new insulation to uniform depth for maximum R-value

Final Thoughts

An attic insulation top-up is one of the most cost-effective home upgrades you can make before winter. It helps keep warm air where it belongs—inside your home—while improving comfort and energy efficiency all year long.

If you’re in Edmonton or surrounding areas, now is the perfect time to schedule your attic insulation assessment.
Contact Aires Spray Foam & Insulation for a professional inspection and quote today.

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Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Attic Blow-In Insulation

By Martha Laverde • October 23, 2025

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The Importance of Proper Attic Venting

By Martha Laverde • September 21, 2025

Attic insulation is only part of creating an efficient, healthy home. Just as critical is having the right amount of ventilation in your attic. Without proper venting, insulation cannot perform at its best, and the long-term health of your home can be at risk. Why Attic Ventilation Matters Attics are designed to breathe. Proper ventilation balances the air entering through soffit or eave vents with the air leaving through ridge or roof vents. This flow prevents trapped moisture and excessive heat buildup, both of which can cause costly problems. The Risks of Poor Ventilation Moisture Damage – Warm air from the home naturally rises into the attic. If it cannot escape, condensation forms, leading to mold, mildew, and potential wood rot. Reduced Insulation Performance – Moisture reduces the effectiveness of attic insulation, lowering R-value and increasing energy costs. Ice Dams – In winter, poor ventilation allows attic heat to melt roof snow unevenly, causing ice dams that damage shingles and gutters. Overheated Attics – In summer, trapped hot air drives up cooling costs and shortens the lifespan of roofing materials. How Ventilation and Insulation Work Together Spray foam and attic blow-in insulation are most effective when paired with a well-ventilated attic. Insulation keeps conditioned air inside the home, while venting ensures moisture and excess heat are released outside. The two systems work hand-in-hand to maintain comfort, efficiency, and durability. At Aires Spray Foam & Insulation , we assess not only insulation levels but also ventilation to ensure your attic performs the way it should. By addressing both, homeowners achieve better energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and long-lasting protection for their roof and attic. Adequate attic venting is not optional, it is essential. When combined with professional insulation services, proper ventilation ensures your home is comfortable, efficient, and protected year-round.