Types Of Attic Insulation Materials
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
Types of attic insulation materials. Some of these go to types of attic insulation include. 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. This ability to conform makes loose fill insulation well suited for retrofits and locations where it would be difficult to install other types of insulation.
The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value. Installing this type of insulation is an inexpensive and diy friendly project since the materials are designed to fit into the standard width between wall studs attic rafters and floor joists. 3 main old attic insulation types. The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam.
If you understand the insulation types on offer you can be sure whether you live in a well insulated home or whether you need to upgrade your insulation to a more modern material. Spray foam attic insulation. Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60.
Cellulose insulation manufacturers association insulation materials run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass rock and slag wool cellulose and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. There are three. By far the most frequently purchased type of attic insulation material is fiberglass extremely delicate glass fibers that are comprised of recycled material and sand and look uncannily like cotton candy.
Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively. Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available. The most common types of materials used for loose fill insulation include cellulose fiberglass and mineral rock or slag wool. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
Before you ever get insulation anywhere near the attic though make sure that you get the air leakage sites sealed up. If you put an air permeable insulation material over a hole in your ceiling you may have comfort indoor air quality durability and efficiency problems. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Cellulose a fiber insulation material with a high recycled content is blown into a home attic.