Your attic is the single biggest opportunity to improve your home's energy efficiency. In Tulsa's Climate Zone 3A, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, an under-insulated attic forces your air conditioning to work overtime—driving up energy bills and reducing comfort throughout your home.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that proper attic insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. For Tulsa homeowners, that translates to significant annual savings and a more comfortable living environment year-round.
Why Attic Insulation Matters in Tulsa
Heat naturally rises, and in summer, your roof absorbs intense Oklahoma sun, turning your attic into a superheated space that can reach 150°F or more. Without adequate insulation, that heat radiates down into your living spaces, making your AC work harder and longer.
DOE Recommendation
R-49 to R-60
for Climate Zone 3
Energy Savings
Up to 15%
on heating & cooling
Attic Temps
Up to 150°F
in Oklahoma summers
In winter, the same principle works in reverse—heat escapes through your ceiling into the cold attic space, making your furnace run more frequently and increasing heating costs.
Attic Insulation Options
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam creates an air-sealed barrier that stops both heat transfer and air leakage. Closed-cell spray foam delivers R-6.5 to R-7 per inch, while open-cell provides R-3.5 to R-4 per inch with excellent coverage of irregular spaces.
- Best for: Creating conditioned attic spaces, sealing air leaks
- R-Value: R-6.5 to R-7 (closed-cell) or R-3.5 to R-4 (open-cell) per inch
- Benefits: Air sealing + insulation in one application
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass provides cost-effective coverage for attic floors. This method works well for adding insulation over existing material and reaches into tight spaces around joists and obstacles.
- Best for: Adding to existing insulation, budget-conscious upgrades
- R-Value: R-2.2 to R-3.8 per inch depending on material
- Benefits: Quick installation, cost-effective
Signs Your Attic Needs More Insulation
High Energy Bills
If your heating and cooling costs seem excessive compared to similar homes, inadequate attic insulation may be the culprit.
Uneven Temperatures
Rooms that are too hot in summer or too cold in winter often indicate heat transfer through the ceiling.
Ice Dams in Winter
Ice forming at roof edges suggests heat is escaping through the attic and melting snow unevenly.
Visible Insulation Gaps
If you can see floor joists in your attic, you likely don't have enough insulation.
Old or Compressed Insulation
Insulation that's been in place for 15-20+ years may have settled or degraded, reducing its effectiveness.
Oklahoma Building Code Requirements
The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted by Oklahoma, sets minimum insulation requirements for Climate Zone 3. For attics and ceilings:
While code sets minimum requirements, the Department of Energy recommends R-49 to R-60 for optimal energy efficiency in our climate zone. Exceeding minimums provides better comfort and faster return on investment through energy savings.
Our Attic Insulation Process
- Inspection: We assess your current insulation levels, identify air leaks, and check for moisture or pest issues
- Recommendation: Based on your home and budget, we recommend the best insulation solution
- Preparation: We protect your home, seal air leaks, and address any issues before insulating
- Installation: Our certified technicians install your insulation to meet or exceed code requirements
- Verification: We confirm proper coverage and R-value throughout your attic space