Improving Energy Efficiency and Comfort Across Two Attic Floors

Project Overview:

Zavza Seal recently completed a full attic insulation upgrade for a homeowner in Islip, NY. The home had two attic floors totaling approximately 2,000 square feet. While existing insulation was present, it no longer met modern energy efficiency standards. The homeowner was experiencing temperature fluctuations, higher energy bills, and concerns about heat loss during colder months.

Our goal was to bring the attic insulation up to current New York State recommendations while improving airflow, sealing air leaks, and enhancing overall home comfort.

The Problem:

During our inspection, we found that the attic contained older fiberglass insulation that was still in decent physical condition but provided an R value of only 6 to 7. This level of insulation falls far below what New York State utilities now consider the minimum standard for attic insulation coverage.

Additional issues included:

• Inadequate total R value leading to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
• Potential air leakage at the rim joist and attic hatch
• Limited airflow from soffits to attic vents
• Recessed lighting that allowed conditioned air to escape into the attic

Without addressing these issues, the home would continue to waste energy and struggle to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

The Solution:

Zavza Seal designed a layered insulation and air sealing approach to improve performance without removing insulation that was still structurally sound.

Our Process Included:

• Adding unfaced batt insulation on top of the existing fiberglass to achieve a total R value of 49, which aligns with current New York State utility recommendations
• Installing unfaced fiberglass insulation to ensure high thermal performance while remaining environmentally responsible
• Inspecting the entire rim joist surface and air sealing areas where leakage was detected
• Installing foam baffles to maintain proper airflow from exterior soffits to attic vents
• Adding recessed light covers and sealing them to prevent warm air escape
• Installing SealTech 10M Heavy Duty Reflective Insulation with an R-18 rating on the attic hatch to block airflow and improve thermal resistance

We specifically chose Knauf Eco-Batt insulation after researching alternatives such as SilverGlo, which is a brand name insulation product. Knauf Eco-Batt met the performance requirements for this project while aligning with our material standards.

The Results:

After completion, the attic now meets recommended insulation levels for energy efficiency in New York State. The homeowner can expect:

• Improved indoor comfort throughout the year
• Reduced heat loss and energy waste
• Lower heating and cooling costs
• Better airflow and moisture control in the attic

Most importantly, the insulation upgrade provides long-term protection and efficiency without unnecessary removal of existing materials.

Why This Matters for Homeowners in Islip, NY?

Older homes across Long Island often have attic insulation that no longer meets today’s efficiency standards. Even insulation that looks fine can underperform significantly. Upgrading to the correct R value, combined with proper air sealing, can make a measurable difference in comfort and energy savings.

If your home was built or last insulated decades ago, a professional attic assessment can reveal hidden opportunities for improvement.