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Attic insulation performs a critical position in residence energy performance. In reality, 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 minimal levels of attic insulation that are far under current suggestions established by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Homeowners considering an attic insulation upgrade have a number of different insulation supplies to consider. Every attic insulating option has distinct advantages and limitations. Understanding these pros and cons can help you choose one of the best insulation upgrade on your attic.

Fiberglass batts

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

PROS: More affordable than other types of attic insulation. Best type of insulation for DIYers to install. Unlike blown insulation, batts might be lifted up and moved to provide access to the ceiling under, can lights and ceiling-mounted vent fans. Existing batt insulation can usually be left in place when blown insulation is added to extend total R-worth within the attic.

CONS: Difficult to install accurately round obstructions. Voids the place insulation is missing contribute to significant energy loss. A number of layers of batt insulation are required to achieve beneficial R-values in most parts of the country; this makes it unimaginable to make use of the attic for storage unless particular platforms are built previous to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation can’t stop air movement.

Blown insulation

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

PROS: Set up can be completed quickly and affordably. Blown insulation typically leads to more full coverage than is possible with fiberglass batts.

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (a minimum of sixteen in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it unattainable to use the attic area for storage unless particular platforms are built 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 vary as to which type is finest in an attic set up, but closed-cell spray foam is used more frequently.

PROS: Closed-cell spray foam provides the highest R-worth per in. (about R-6) of any attic insulation. It additionally creates an air and moisture barrier, so it eliminates the need for separate air-sealing work. Insulating beneath the roof deck instead of on the attic floor frees up attic space for storage and other purposes. This strategy additionally improves the effectivity of HVAC elements (like air handlers and ductwork) positioned in 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 till a most up-to-date development. In one distinctive system, a proprietary rigid foam panel is fastened to the underside of attic rafters, forming an air and thermal barrier.

PROS: Provides all of the benefits of spray foam, with the additional benefit of sustaining attic ventilation. The potential for roof sheathing moisture damage is eliminated. The inflexible foam is confronted with a radiant barrier that displays heat for additional energy 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. Installation value is larger than fiberglass batts and blown insulation, however competitive with spray foam.

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