Which Insulation Is Better For Attic

A large machine outside churns the chunks and uses air to blow them up through the hose.

Which insulation is better for attic.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Installing or adding insulation to the ceiling plane is rather straighforward. The installer taking his best firefighter pose holds a large hose and blows the chunks into the attic.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Batts must be cut tightly and you can t have gaps. And you may use very different insulation materials.

A better choice is insulation that comes in smaller chunks. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Ready to find the supplies you need in your local store.

Blown in fiberglass creates a seamless blanket in your attic. Insulation level are specified by r value. The main benefit of blown insulation is that it is a much more consistent type of insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. If you choose to install cellulose yourself you can buy the insulation in bags from your local home improvement store. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. With this method the insulation is simply blown onto the attic floor and no matter what type of joists studs or wiring that may be in play the blown insulation will naturally form itself tight around any of these creating a layer of strong insulation.

Cellulose recycled ground up paper with boric acid added for insect control and fire resistance offers a better attic insulation option than batts. Cellulose and other fibrous materials are good and inexpensive choices. This type of insulation. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. The thermal performance of fiberglass insulation is directly related to its ability to trap and maintain very small pockets of air.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.