Differences In Insulation For Attics

Wall insulation can reduce a home s heat loss by 67 while attic insulation can lead to a 40 decrease in heating and cooling costs.

Differences in insulation for attics. 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. Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available. Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. When air can t move through it you have zero heat transfer through convection.

Blown in insulation requires the least amount of work but requires special tools and equipment. Batt spray and blown. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Fiberglass insulation in rolls or batts can be easily added by the homeowner. Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home. Choose from two types.

Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. However building codes only require an r 38. 10 of your home heating bill costs stem from uninsulated floors.

Insulation level are specified by r value. Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Some types of insulation are found in older homes and some of them may no longer be used. Cellulose insulation is calculated based on the depth of the blown in insulation.

In the baltimore area the u s. When installed properly both types of insulation fill all of the nooks and crannies in a space and make for a perfect air barrier. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material. This type of insulation.

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Fiberglass insulation is calculated based on the number of batts or rolls you need. Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively. 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. There are different types of attic insulation and they each have their pros and cons.