Ventilation Systems

• During the summer, having a good ventilation system in an attic benefits all homes, but that is especially true with homes that have steep roofs. The ventilation system can be a simple venting to the exterior of the house, or it works through specialty vents that sit atop the house. One such vent that resembles a mushroom or a chef's hat with blades, commonly known as a "whirly-bird," propels the heat out of the attic as it turns. While ventilation does not have an insulation value, it does reduce the stored heat in the attic and helps to cool the house in the summer.
  
  

Rolled Fiberglass

• Rolled insulation comes in giant rolls that look like hay bales. The rolls fit between the joists, or supports, in an attic. Simple to install, homeowners can purchase a roll at a time. Do not compress the insulation when installing it, because rolled insulation is hard to get around plumbing and electrical lines. Compressing insulation causes it to lose its resistance factor. Rolled insulation works well in a house with a steep roof because insulation can be installed or replaced in pieces.
  
  

Blown Fiberglass

• Another option for homeowners with steep roofs is to use blown-in fiberglass insulation. Using a machine, the homeowner or hired professional blows pieces that resemble colored or white cotton balls, into the spaces in the attic. This type of insulation has the best chance of getting into all of the nooks and crannies of an attic, increasing its effectiveness.
  
  

Blown Cellulose

• Cellulose insulation is an alternative to traditional fiberglass options. Sawdust, newsprint-type paper and other organic materials make up cellulose insulation. Cellulose does not cling to people or clothes the way that fiberglass does. Treated with borate for its fire-retardant properties, borate also keeps away small rodents, bugs and other pests.