Best Type Of Blown In Attic Insulation

Choose from two types.

Best type of blown in attic insulation.

The answer to the question of which attic insulation is best is of course entirely circumstantial. It is effective in filling in areas that are difficult to reach. Blowing insulation into walls is best left to the pros because it involves drilling into stud spaces that may contain electrical. 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.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. 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. Insulation is rated by its r value. Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively.

Blown in spray foam batts and blankets. That s because blown insulation is great at filling the gaps and giving you a good complete layer of insulation. Insulation decreases the amount of heat entering from outside when it s hot and traps warmth inside when it s cold. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. R values vary based on the type thickness and density of the insulation material. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

Handy homeowners can install blown in insulation in the attic. When the design of your attic allows the best attic insulation is inexpensive easy to install and will yield the performance you re looking for. Spray foam attic insulation. Blown in insulation also fills the tiny crevices where heat or air conditioning can escape from your home.

They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively. 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. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need.

The third major type of insulation is spray foam. Insulation that is blown into your attic via a machine is a type of loose fill cellulose material. R value measures how resistant types of insulation are to heat flow.