Differences In Insulation For Attics

Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively.

Differences in insulation for attics.

Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Insulating basement walls or slab foundation can reduce heating costs by10 to 20.

Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation. They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively. However building codes only require an r 38. Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. In the baltimore area the u s. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

Choose from two types. There are three common attic insulation types used today. Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available. There are different types of attic insulation and they each have their pros and cons.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. This type of insulation. Insulation level are specified by r value. Some types of insulation are found in older homes and some of them may no longer be used.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Fiberglass insulation in rolls or batts can be easily added by the homeowner. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. 10 of your home heating bill costs stem from uninsulated floors. 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. When installed properly both types of insulation fill all of the nooks and crannies in a space and make for a perfect air barrier.

When air can t move through it you have zero heat transfer through convection. Cellulose insulation is calculated based on the depth of the blown in insulation. Blown in insulation requires the least amount of work but requires special tools and equipment. Batt spray and blown.