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Attic insulation plays a critical position in house energy performance. In truth, most building scientists agree that the attic needs to be the primary “goal” space for insulation and air-sealing upgrades. Most houses are built with code-required minimal levels of attic insulation which can be 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. Each attic insulating option has distinct advantages and limitations. Understanding these pros and cons may help you select the most effective insulation upgrade to your attic.

Fiberglass batts

Fiberglass batt insulation is popular 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 confronted 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 might 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 within the attic.

CONS: Difficult to put in 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 impossible to make use of the attic for storage unless special platforms are built previous to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation can’t stop air movement.

Blown insulation

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

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

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (no less than sixteen in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it not possible to use the attic space for storage unless special platforms are constructed previous to installing the insulation. Cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass insulation cannot stop air movement.

Spray foam

Professional spray foam insulation contractors typically insulate an attic by making use of a thick layer of spray foam between the rafters. Two types of foam are used: open-cell and closed-cell. Opinions differ as to which type is greatest 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 also 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 other purposes. This strategy also improves the efficiency of HVAC parts (like air handlers and ductwork) positioned within the attic.

CONS: Most expensive attic insulation. A thick layer of froth utilized 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 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 rigid foam is confronted with a radiant barrier that displays heat for additional energy savings -another 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, but competitive with spray foam.

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