Best Residential Attic Insulation

Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage.

Best residential attic insulation. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. The best types of home attic insulation are open cell spray foam fiberglass and cellulose. Insulation is a vital component in any home that aims to be energy efficient.

Rolls and batts are produced of mineral wool and fiberglass. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. If you don t have hvac and ducts in the attic spray foam on the roofline isn t really necessary. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. Best for unfinished walls floors ceilings and wherever long and continuous insulation pieces are needed. Cellulose can be either a loose fill or blown in material and is primarily made of recycled newsprint or denim. Cellulose is the oldest insulation material used for not only the attic but other areas of the home as well.

Modern technology of blanket insulation today is considered the best insulation for attic. Come in continuous lengths ranging from 20 to 40 feet. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Available in pre cut widths to fit between studs and joists. Insulation rolls leave less opportunity for gaps between sections making them sometimes more effective than batts. Among commonly used types of insulation there are mineral wool or fiberglass rolls and batts rigid fiberglass board loose fill materials cellulose mineral wool etc. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Some installations can yield a higher r value than traditional batt insulation for the same thickness and can fill even the smallest cavities creating an effective air barrier. Typically placed in areas where air escapes such as between the stud cavities inside the walls and in the attic it. Insulation level are specified by r value. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.