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Attic insulation plays a critical role in home energy performance. In reality, most building scientists agree that the attic must be the primary “goal” space for insulation and air-sealing upgrades. Most homes are built with code-required minimal levels of attic insulation which are far beneath present recommendations 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 may also help you choose the most effective insulation upgrade to 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 installed between attic floor joists, and unfaced batts are more common than confronted 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 could be lifted up and moved to provide access to the ceiling under, can lights and ceiling-mounted vent fans. Present batt insulation can usually be left in place when blown insulation is added to increase overall R-worth in the attic.

CONS: Tough to put in accurately round obstructions. Voids where insulation is lacking contribute to significant energy loss. A number of layers of batt insulation are required to achieve really helpful R-values in most parts of the country; this makes it inconceivable to make use of the attic for storage unless particular platforms are built previous to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation cannot stop air movement.

Blown insulation

Two predominant 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: Installation can be accomplished quickly and affordably. Blown insulation typically ends in more full coverage than is possible with fiberglass batts.

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (at least 16 in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it inconceivable to use the attic area for storage unless particular platforms are built prior to putting in the insulation. Cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass insulation cannot 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 foam are used: open-cell and closed-cell. Opinions fluctuate as to which type is greatest in an attic set up, however 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 house for storage and different purposes. This strategy additionally improves the efficiency of HVAC components (like air handlers and ductwork) situated in the attic.

CONS: Most costly attic insulation. A thick layer of foam utilized to the underside of the roof sheathing can trap moisture and cause sheathing to rot.

Inflexible foam

Rigid foam hasn’t been used as extensively for attic insulation till a most recent development. In a single unique 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 maintaining attic ventilation. The potential for roof sheathing moisture damage is eliminated. The inflexible foam is faced 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 price is bigger than fiberglass batts and blown insulation, however competitive with spray foam.

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