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Attic Insulation Options Offer Completely different Pros and Cons

 

Attic insulation performs a critical function in home energy performance. In reality, most building scientists agree that the attic must be the first "target" area for insulation and air-sealing upgrades. Most homes are constructed with code-required minimum levels of attic insulation that are far under 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 can help you select the most effective insulation upgrade for your attic.

 

 

Fiberglass batts

 

 

Fiberglass batt insulation is well-liked 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 may 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 extend overall R-value within the attic.

 

 

CONS: Difficult to install correctly around obstructions. Voids the place 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 inconceivable to use the attic for storage unless special platforms are built prior to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation cannot 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 utilizing special blowing equipment.

 

 

PROS: Set up could be accomplished quickly and affordably. Blown insulation typically leads to more complete coverage than is possible with fiberglass batts.

 

 

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (a minimum of sixteen in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it unattainable to use the attic area for storage unless special platforms are built previous 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 making use of a thick layer of spray foam between the rafters. Two types of froth are used: open-cell and closed-cell. Opinions range as to which type is best 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 house for storage and different purposes. This strategy additionally improves the effectivity of HVAC elements (like air handlers and ductwork) positioned within the attic.

 

 

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

 

 

Rigid foam

 

 

Rigid foam hasn't been used as extensively for attic insulation till a most up-to-date development. In a single 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 confronted 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 bigger than fiberglass batts and blown insulation, however competitive with spray foam.

 

 

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