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Attic insulation performs a critical function in residence energy performance. In reality, most building scientists agree that the attic needs to be the primary “target” space for insulation and air-sealing upgrades. Most properties are built with code-required minimum levels of attic insulation that are far beneath current recommendations established by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Homeowners considering an attic insulation upgrade have a number of various insulation supplies to consider. Each attic insulating option has distinct advantages and limitations. Understanding these pros and cons may help you choose the perfect insulation upgrade to your attic.

Fiberglass batts

Fiberglass batt insulation is fashionable 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. Present batt insulation can typically be left in place when blown insulation is added to increase total R-value within the attic.

CONS: Troublesome to put in appropriately around obstructions. Voids where insulation is missing contribute to significant energy loss. A number of layers of batt insulation are required to achieve really useful R-values in most parts of the country; this makes it impossible to use the attic for storage unless special platforms are constructed prior to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation can’t stop air movement.

Blown insulation

Two main 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 completed quickly and affordably. Blown insulation typically leads to more full coverage than is feasible with fiberglass batts.

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (no less than 16 in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it unattainable to make use of the attic space for storage unless particular 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 differ 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-value per in. (about R-6) of any attic insulation. It additionally 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 also improves the effectivity of HVAC elements (like air handlers and ductwork) situated within the attic.

CONS: Most costly 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 until a most up-to-date development. In a single distinctive system, a proprietary rigid 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 inflexible 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. Installation cost is greater than fiberglass batts and blown insulation, but competitive with spray foam.

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