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Attic insulation plays a critical function in residence energy performance. In fact, most building scientists agree that the attic should be the first “target” space for insulation and air-sealing upgrades. Most houses are constructed with code-required minimum levels of attic insulation which might be far beneath current recommendations established by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Homeowners considering an attic insulation upgrade have a number of different insulation materials to consider. Each attic insulating option has distinct advantages and limitations. Understanding these pros and cons may also help you choose the best insulation upgrade for your attic.

Fiberglass batts

Fiberglass batt insulation is in style because it’s affordable and universally available. Regardless of age, many houses have attics insulated with fiberglass batts. The batts are typically installed between attic floor joists, and unfaced batts are more frequent than faced batts in attic installations.

PROS: More affordable than different types of attic insulation. Best type of insulation for DIYers to install. Unlike blown insulation, batts may be lifted up and moved to provide access to the ceiling under, can lights and ceiling-mounted vent fans. Present batt insulation can often be left in place when blown insulation is added to increase overall R-worth within the attic.

CONS: Difficult to put in appropriately round obstructions. Voids where insulation is lacking contribute to significant energy loss. A number of layers of batt insulation are required to achieve advisable R-values in most parts of the country; this makes it unattainable to use the attic for storage unless special platforms are built prior to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation cannot stop air movement.

Blown insulation

Two fundamental types of blown (or blow-in) insulation are commonly used: cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass. Both types are designed to be installed utilizing special blowing equipment.

PROS: Installation could be accomplished quickly and affordably. Blown insulation typically results in more full coverage than is possible with fiberglass batts.

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (at the very least sixteen in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it unimaginable to use the attic house for storage unless special platforms are constructed previous to installing the insulation. Cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass insulation can’t stop air movement.

Spray foam

Professional spray foam insulation contractors typically insulate an attic by applying a thick layer of spray foam between the rafters. Two types of froth are used: open-cell and closed-cell. Opinions fluctuate as to which type is finest in an attic set up, however closed-cell spray foam is used more frequently.

PROS: Closed-cell spray foam provides the highest R-value per in. (about R-6) of any attic insulation. It additionally creates an air and moisture barrier, so it eliminates the necessity for separate air-sealing work. Insulating beneath the roof deck instead of on the attic floor frees up attic house for storage and different purposes. This strategy additionally improves the efficiency of HVAC parts (like air handlers and ductwork) situated within the attic.

CONS: Costliest attic insulation. A thick layer of froth applied to the underside of the roof sheathing can trap moisture and cause sheathing to rot.

Inflexible foam

Inflexible foam hasn’t been used as extensively for attic insulation until a most recent development. In a single unique system, a proprietary inflexible foam panel is fastened to the underside of attic rafters, forming an air and thermal barrier.

PROS: Provides all the benefits of spray foam, with the additional benefit of maintaining attic ventilation. The potential for roof sheathing moisture damage is eliminated. The inflexible foam is confronted with a radiant barrier that reflects heat for additional energy financial savings -one other advantage over spray foam.

CONS: The system is available in limited areas, so it’s not as widely available as spray foam. Set up cost is larger than fiberglass batts and blown insulation, however competitive with spray foam.

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