Insulation and Attics

Insulation and Attics

Our certified technicians prepare every attic using proven building-science methods—so your new insulation delivers peak efficiency, healthier air, and lasting comfort.

✓ Lower monthly energy bills
✓ Qualify for utility rebates and tax incentives
✓ Improve indoor air quality
✓ Control humidity and increase comfort year-round

✓ Lower monthly energy bills

✓ Qualify for utility rebates and tax incentives

✓ Improve indoor air quality

✓ Control humidity and increase comfort year-round

Air Sealing- The Step That Makes Insulation Perform Better

Air sealing restores true thermal performance. By stopping uncontrolled air movement, insulation can perform at its intended R-value — often improving effective performance by 20–50%, depending on how leaky the home is.

That’s why Smart Space prepares the attic first, following BPI standards and the Georgia Energy Codes. This includes sealing top plates, protecting soffit ventilation with baffles, and using fire-rated materials where required.

Our Process- Following Best Practices Air Sealing and Insulating Attics

Step 1: Removing Wood and Debris

Step 1: Removing Wood and Debris

Remove and dump trash and debris. Remove unused wood platforms for better access to air seal penetrations.

Step 2: Air Sealing

Step 2: Air Sealing

Seal top plates, wiring penetrations, plumbing chases, duct boots, fireplaces, whole house fans (very leaky), flue chases, and attic hatches.

We use fire caulk around flue pipes and fire plances, and fore reatardant mineral wool cover arpund non-IC rated can lights.

Step 3: Bath Exhaust Fans Attic Ventilation

Step 3: Bath Exhaust Fans Attic Ventilation

Inspect and repair bath-fan ducting to ensure that exhaust fans vent fully to the exterior (to ridge & gable vents or through roof and exterior wall) — never into the attic.

Step 4: Storage

Step 4: Storage

To preserve access without compromising energy performance, we build short containment walls around storage platforms and walkways to furances

     

    Step 6: Install Baffles to Protect Attic Ventilation

    Step 6: Install Baffles to Protect Attic Ventilation

    Before insulation is added, we install baffles (vent chutes) at the eaves to protect soffit vents and maintain airflow from the soffit to the ridge vent.

    Baffles create a dedicated air channel that keeps insulation in place and ensures continuous airflow from soffit to ridge.

    Step 7: Blow in Insulation to Code-R-38

    Step 7: Blow in Insulation to Code-R-38

    Blow in fiberglass or cellulsoe to meet receommended energy codes for the Southeast-R-38 (12-14 inches).

    Kneewalls and Small Attic Spaces

    A kneewall is a short vertical wall that separates your conditioned living space from the unconditioned space. On kneewalls and small attics spaces we:

    1. Move back the insulation and air seal outlets and penetrations.

    2. Install a reflective barrier on kneewalls to prevent the batt insulation from falling down.

    3. Install rigid foam blocks between floor joists to prevent air flowing between floors.

    4. Weatherstrip and install 2 inch rigid foam boards on the hatches.

    A Complete, Building-Science Approach

    Every attic we insulate is treated as a system — balancing air sealing, ventilation, and insulation depth to deliver real performance.

    Smart Space follows proven building-science standards to ensure results that meet Georgia Power rebate requirements and long-term home performance guidelines.

    Types of Insulation We Install In Attics

    Upgrading your attic insulation is one of the fastest ways to improve your home’s comfort and reduce energy waste.

    We install both blown-in fiberglass and blown-in cellulose insulation, providing homeowners with options that balance performance, environmental impact, and cost. And we’ll assess your attic conditions, air leakage, and energy goals to help you choose the best solution for your home — and we’ll handle every step, from air sealing to rebate filing.

    Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation

    Overview:
    Blown-in fiberglass insulation is made from tiny glass fibers derived from sand and recycled glass. Installed with a blowing machine, it creates a light, fluffy blanket of thermal protection across the entire attic floor.

    Key Benefits:
    ✓ Excellent long-term performance — maintains R-value over time
    ✓ Non-combustible and naturally moisture-resistant
    ✓ Won’t settle significantly or lose volume
    ✓ Non-corrosive, odor-free, and resistant to mold growth
    ✓ Typically has a higher R-value per inch (≈ R-2.7 to R-3.8)
    ✓ Ideal for homeowners seeking a durable, low-maintenance solution

    Best For:
    Homes where long-term performance, moisture resistance, and air quality are top priorities.

    Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

    Overview:
    Cellulose insulation is made primarily from recycled paper products, treated with non-toxic borate compounds for fire and pest resistance. When densely packed, it creates an excellent air barrier that slows heat transfer and reduces drafts.

    Key Benefits:
    ✓ Made from up to 85% recycled materials — an eco-friendly choice
    ✓ Excellent air sealing performance when densely packed
    ✓ Naturally resistant to insects and fire due to borate treatment
    ✓ Reduces sound transmission and outside noise
    ✓ R-value of approximately R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch

    Best For:
    Homeowners focused on sustainability and superior sound control with strong thermal performance.

    Batt Insulation

    When Batt Insulation Makes Sense in Attics

    While blown-in insulation (fiberglass or cellulose) is the preferred choice for most attics due to its seamless coverage and energy efficiency, there are situations where batt insulation can be the most practical and cost-effective solution. At Smart Space Atlanta, we evaluate each attic individually to determine which method will deliver the best results for your specific home and budget.

    What Is Batt Insulation?

    Batt insulation consists of pre-cut panels of fiberglass or mineral wool designed to fit snugly between attic joists and rafters. It provides a consistent thermal barrier and is ideal for smaller or more accessible attic areas where blowing equipment may not be practical.

    When We Recommend Batt Insulation

    We occasionally recommend batt insulation when:

    • The Attic Is Small or Easily Accessible
      If your attic is a small, open space that can be easily reached by hand, installing batts can be faster and more economical than setting up blowing equipment.
    • Square Footage Is Limited
      For smaller projects under a few hundred square feet, batt insulation may provide a lower total installed cost while still achieving the desired R-value.
    • The Space Requires Precision Cutting or Partial Coverage
      Batt insulation works well in areas where we need to insulate around trusses, ducts, or access platforms with more control.
    • A Combination System Is Needed
      In some homes, we install batt insulation along sloped rooflines or kneewalls, then blown-in insulation on the attic floor, creating a hybrid system that optimizes performance and cost.

    Benefits of Batt Insulation

    • Provides excellent thermal resistance (R-3.0 to R-4.0 per inch)
    • Cost-effective for small or straightforward spaces
    • Easy to replace or upgrade in the future
    • Can be combined with air-sealing measures for improved efficiency
    • Made from non-combustible and recycled materials (depending on product choice)
    Sprayfoam

    Why We Do Not Offer Spray-Foam Insulation in Attics

    At Smart Space Atlanta, we make decisions based on building science, health, safety, and long-term performance. We do not think there is a perfect insulation but there are pros and cons with their application. All methods need to adhere to best practices of air sealing and insulating. While spray-polyurethane foam (SPF) is marketed by some as a “premium” insulation option, in practice we have observed—and documented—too many red flags to offer it reliably for attics (and crawl spaces). Below is a summary of the risks, documented litigation, and real-world concerns that guide our choice.

    Health & Chemical Sensitization Risks

    • Spray foam insulation involves mixing two liquid chemical components (“Side A” and “Side B”) in the field. When improperly mixed or cured, residual unreacted chemicals—especially isocyanates—can remain in the foam or off-gas into interior air. Spray Polyurethane Foam Health + Safety+2Indoor Doctor+2
    • Isocyanates are a known cause of occupational asthma and respiratory sensitization. Even low-level exposures can trigger severe asthma attacks in sensitized individuals. CDC Stacks+2PubMed Central+2
    • The California Department of Toxic Substances Control identifies methylene diphenyl diisocyanates (MDI)—a common component in SPF—as a chemical of concern due to its potential for respiratory effects. NRDC
    • The Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) industry’s own educational materials admit that overexposure to vapor or aerosol during installation can irritate the respiratory tract, cause sensitization, and in rare cases lead to asthma-like symptoms. Spray Polyurethane Foam Health + Safety
    • The U.S. EPA has expressed concern about exposure to any isocyanate-containing material used in SPF installations, including potential long-term effects. https://archive.epa.gov/epa/saferchoice/health-concerns-about-spray-polyurethane-foam.html

    Because of these risks, we believe it is safer to avoid offering spray foam in attics, where leaks or off-gassing may persist over many years.

    Other Red Flags With Spray Foam Insulation:

    1. Termite Companies Will Not Bond Spray-Foamed Homes
    Many pest control companies refuse to bond or warranty homes with spray-foamed attics or crawl spaces because the foam prevents them from properly inspecting for termite activity or performing effective treatments.

    2. Spray Foam Can Hide Critical Plumbing and Mechanical Issues
    We are especially cautious about spray-foamed crawl-space subfloors. A major benefit of a crawl space is easy access to plumbing, electrical, and gas lines for inspection and repair. When these components are fully covered in foam, leaks and failures are harder to detect—leading to costly, hard-to-reach repairs.

    3. Chemical Odors Can Persist Seasonally
    Several past homeowners have reported that they can smell their spray foam each summer, particularly in homes with low rooflines where heat builds and can reactivate chemical odors.

    4. Documented Chemical Fire Incidents
    We have been informed of at least two cases in Atlanta where a spray-foam company attempted to apply a small patch using a portable kit. The chemicals reacted improperly and caused a chemical fire, filling the home with smoke and leading to significant damage.

     

    The Audit & Rebate Process with Insulation

    Once we’ve identified the right solution for your home, we’ll handle every step, from audit to rebate filing.

    Chiller & Boiler Pipe Insulation

    Home Energy Audit

    In part, we evaluate attic air leakage, insulation depth, and thermal performance.

    Chiller & Boiler Pipe Insulation

    Air Sealing

    We seal all attic bypasses, penetrations, and top plates to stop airflow.

    Chiller & Boiler Pipe Insulation

    Material Installation

    Using professional-grade blowing equipment, we install the chosen insulation evenly to the recommended R-Value (the energy code for Southeast is R-38).

    Chiller & Boiler Pipe Insulation

    Post Home Energy Audit & Verification

    We perform a post energy audit and in part to inspect depth, density, and coverage and apply for elgible reabtes for you.

    Rebates & Incentives

    Smart Space Atlanta is a participating contractor with Georgia Power’s Home Energy Improvement Program and the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA).

    Our team files your rebate paperwork directly — making it simple for you to qualify for up to thousands of dollars in energy rebates.

    What People Are Saying

    Smart Space did excellent work on our home. I was impressed not only with the quality and results of their work, but also their thoughtfulness in choosing the right, holistic approach for our home.

    We live in a historic district with small children, and I was glad to see that they used quality, alternate materials that considered the structure of our home and our children.

    Our house is noticeable warmer in the winter and it looks like the investment will easily pay for itself.

    — Nate S.

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    Joseph Winslow profile picture
    Joseph Winslow
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    Smart Home Atlanta did an outstanding job with our energy audit, duct sealing, and crawlspace encapsulation. The difference in efficiency, humidity, and air quality has been massive. High-quality work, excellent communication, and very informative throughout the process—highly recommend!
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    Martin Runnström profile picture
    Martin Runnström
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    Had insulation/weatherization done with Smart Spaces Atlanta. Excellent experience overall, from planning to doing the project and seeing great results. Great communication throughout. Team was very good, knowledgeable and were very cognisant of us having little kids and left the house clean after they were done. Highly recommend!
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    S. Mashet Smith profile picture
    S. Mashet Smith
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    This year I opted to have an energy audit done on my home. Smart Space Atlanta was the company I selected to do so. From the first call I appreciated the responsiveness. Harden who was my contact person discussed the findings and made sure that I knew I could complete the upgrades at my convenience. I selected to have both my crawl space and duct repair done by the company within 2 weeks. The team which was overseen by project manager West were always punctual, professional and friendly. The site was left in a tidy manner each day. Now mind you my home is 104 yrs old and the work performed not only made it more energy efficient but visually pleasing as well. My crawl space went from a musty, dark and gloomy space to actually welcoming! Duct repairs means that the main floor will be warm and cozy this winter. I was referred to a plumber to complete my tankless water heater installation through the company as well. I could not be more pleased with the results! They will be my one and only call for attic insulation as next project. Sincere thanks for making my home more efficient for years to come with my family. Continue to display excellent customer service and awesome results for your customers!
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    Marieh Scales profile picture
    Marieh Scales
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    I found Smart Space ATL on the GA Power website and went with them to do an energy assessment because from what I saw I perceived them to be a sort of concierge service where they would do the assessment, the work, and file the paperwork for the rebates. I knew I had an energy issue when I first purchased my home and my first month's energy bill was $300. Fast forward one year, I reach out to Smart Space ATL to conduct an energy assessment. I waited one year to be able to provide them with a year's worth of utilities to properly conduct the energy analysis. I really enjoyed working with Jason. He walked me through the process of what would be done and what to expect. I was able to be scheduled within 3 weeks of calling. They had to connect my air conditioning ducts, clean and seal them. And they also insulated the inside of my home and my attic and added insulation to my attic. Overall enjoyed the experience and everything went as discussed. Would definitely recommend them for an energy assessment and subsequent work to make your space more energy efficient.
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    Jason Dailey profile picture
    Jason Dailey
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    Harden is awesome! She is patient and informative. We had a third party radon short-term and long-term test in 2021. The short-term returned at 27.6 pCi/L and the long-term at 12.1 ± 1.6 pCi/L. These results are horrifying! After some research on mitigation specialists, I decided on Smart Space Atlanta. Within 48 hours after installation of the mitigation system, which was pretty much custom since I requested they conceal the system running it through my floors and ceiling versus outside alongside my house, my radon average was 0.3. Fast forward to two years later, I tested two separate areas of the basement with short-term test conducted by Alpha Energy Labs. The room furthest away from the mitigation system returned at Less than 0.9 pCi/L and the main area of the returned at less than 0.7 pCi/L. These are pretty amazing results! My kids and their friends play down in the basement regularly. I have peace of mind that there are no radon exposures concerns. Thank you Harden and Smart Space Atlanta! Jason
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    Seth Eden profile picture
    Seth Eden
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    My wife and I found Smart Space Atlanta when looking for a home inspection energy audit to improve our home's energy efficiency as well as make use of state and federal incentives. From the first communication we felt confident in their knowledge, communication, and results. In addition to providing us with a great breakdown of our home's specific deficiencies they also provided us with an exhaustive list of small things we could do ourselves to improve our home as well as lining up bigger projects that would have an impact on the quality of air in our home, our home's insulation, and efficiency. They were great at working with a delayed timeframe on our end and ultimately, we had them clean and seal our ducts to great results. Our a/c can finally keep up with the warmer months and more effectively keep it at our set temperature, a major issue for our home was our ac ducts leaking heavily into our crawlspace and thus the cool air not getting much into the actual house. We have yet to see what the energy savings will be as that will require time, but we are more than happy with the quality of life improvements we are already enjoying. They also have handled the rebates with GA Power and provided appropriate invoices and documentation for us to use for federal taxes next year. We are very happy with Harden and her entire team and plan on using them in the future for additional home energy improvements.
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    Eric Stagliano profile picture
    Eric Stagliano
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    Smart Space is an amazingly competent company. I have used them for two different projects on my home. Each time, I was overwhelmed with their "extra mile" professionalism. Harden is incredibly honest and always seeks the best solution for any work that is being done. In one recent example (that just blows my mind), I agreed to have them do an extensive renovation project. We were about to start the project when Harden discovered a structural flaw in our A/C system and recommended that we hold off on her already scheduled work until the other problem was fixed. It is this kind of honesty that keeps me coming back. I will use them for all future projects in my home. I highly recommend them.
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    Tom Viilo profile picture
    Tom Viilo
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    We had a great experience working with Harden and Ross on new windows for our whole home. They are not pushy, timely, and stand behind their window selection for customers.
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    Aidan Hall profile picture
    Aidan Hall
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    Harden was great and Smart Space was easy to work with. Their crews were timely and respectful. They helped us lower our radon levels significantly and also improve the energy efficiency of our home. We were able to qualify for Georgia Power rebates and they do the paperwork. Highly recommend.
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