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Attic insulation plays a critical function in residence energy performance. Actually, most building scientists agree that the attic needs to be the first “goal” space for insulation and air-sealing upgrades. Most homes are built with code-required minimal levels of attic insulation which can be far under current 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 help you choose the best insulation upgrade on 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 common 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 may be lifted up and moved to provide access to the ceiling under, can lights and ceiling-mounted vent fans. Current batt insulation can typically be left in place when blown insulation is added to extend overall R-worth within the attic.

CONS: Troublesome to put in correctly around obstructions. Voids where insulation is missing contribute to significant energy loss. Multiple layers of batt insulation are required to achieve really useful R-values in most parts of the country; this makes it unattainable to make use of the attic for storage unless particular platforms are built prior to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation can’t 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 utilizing special blowing equipment.

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

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (at least sixteen in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it unattainable to use the attic house for storage unless special platforms are built prior 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 applying a thick layer of spray foam between the rafters. Two types of foam are used: open-cell and closed-cell. Opinions range as to which type is best in an attic set up, but 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 also 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 space for storage and different purposes. This strategy additionally improves the efficiency of HVAC parts (like air handlers and ductwork) situated in the attic.

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

Rigid foam

Inflexible foam hasn’t been used as extensively for attic insulation till a most up-to-date development. In one 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 sustaining attic ventilation. The potential for roof sheathing moisture damage is eliminated. The rigid foam is faced with a radiant barrier that reflects 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. Set up cost is bigger than fiberglass batts and blown insulation, however competitive with spray foam.

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