We offer our review of the three most popular types of attic insulation with a look at each one s pros and cons.
Best type of blown in attic insulation.
In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
Blown in spray foam batts and blankets.
Insulation decreases the amount of heat entering from outside when it s hot and traps warmth inside when it s cold.
In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.
Spray foam attic insulation.
Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage.
Choose from two types.
They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively.
Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available.
Handy homeowners can install blown in insulation in the attic.
The third major type of insulation is spray foam.
Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need.
Blowing insulation into walls is best left to the pros because it involves drilling into stud spaces that may contain electrical.
R values vary based on the type thickness and density of the insulation material.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
Your options for attic insulation range from radiant barriers to sheets of mineral wool but most homeowners stick with products made from cellulose or fiberglass.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
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.
Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
That s because blown insulation is great at filling the gaps and giving you a good complete layer of insulation.
It is effective in filling in areas that are difficult to reach.
The answer to the question of which attic insulation is best is of course entirely circumstantial.
R value measures how resistant types of insulation are to heat flow.
Just as there are two types of blown insulation fiberglass and cellulose and two types of people those who divide everything into two groups and those who don t.
Blown in insulation also fills the tiny crevices where heat or air conditioning can escape from your home.