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Attic insulation performs a critical position in house energy performance. Actually, most building scientists agree that the attic needs to be the first “target” space for insulation and air-sealing upgrades. Most houses are built with code-required minimal levels of attic insulation that are far beneath present suggestions 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 also help you select 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 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 may be lifted up and moved to provide access to the ceiling below, can lights and ceiling-mounted vent fans. Present batt insulation can typically be left in place when blown insulation is added to extend general R-value within the attic.

CONS: Tough to install appropriately around obstructions. Voids the place insulation is missing contribute to significant energy loss. Multiple layers of batt insulation are required to achieve really helpful R-values in most parts of the country; this makes it unattainable to make use of the attic for storage unless special platforms are constructed prior to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation can’t stop air movement.

Blown insulation

Two most important 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 will be completed quickly and affordably. Blown insulation typically results in more complete coverage than is possible with fiberglass batts.

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (a minimum of 16 in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it impossible to use the attic house for storage unless special platforms are built 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 froth are used: open-cell and closed-cell. Opinions vary as to which type is greatest in an attic installation, 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 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 area for storage and different purposes. This strategy additionally improves the efficiency of HVAC elements (like air handlers and ductwork) situated in 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

Rigid foam hasn’t been used as extensively for attic insulation till a most recent 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 of 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 reflects 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, but competitive with spray foam.

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