A Well Insulated Attic, What is the Best Choice

There are four types of insulation: loose fill, batts and blankets, rigid board and spay form. Each type has its good and bad qualities, used for specific jobs. I will explain each, jobs uses and R factors. So you can make a knowledgeable decision when choosing insulation.

Loose fill insulation is blown into the area that you want to insulate, improving air quality, reducing leakage. It costs more, but it fills the area better, which improves quality. Loose fill can be found in insulated attic and walls.

Cellulose and fiberglass are two types of loose fill. Cellulose can be dry packed or moist sprayed in the area. Fiberglass and rock wool is blown into walls to make a blanket effect. The R factor is R3 or 4 per square inch, cellulose having 30% more. This is often found in Insulated attics.

When choosing insulation the next one to consider is batt and blanket. It is either processed fiberglass or rock wool. This insulation is the cheapest to install. To ensure effectiveness proper insulation is crucial. It can come in 4-8 ft sections, or rolls. It’s found in insulated attics floors and walls. Its best used between studs 16-24’ apart. The R factor is R3 per square inch.

The third type to consider when choosing insulation is foam board insulation. It is made from fiberglass, polystyrene or polyurethane. It comes in various thicknesses and is used for flat roof reproofing, basement walls cathedral ceilings and perimeter insulation. Its factor is R4-R8.

The last is spray foam; this is liquid insulation that is made from polyurethane or urethane and a foaming agent. The liquid is sprayed into areas, expanding as it drives to cover the entire section. It’s often found in insulated attics and finished walls. It’s especially handy in odd shaped and small enclosed places. It’s more expensive, but you’re not required to caulk, or house wrap after insulation.

When choosing insulation flame resistance is an important consideration. Two of these are not flame resistant they are: foam board and cellulose.

There are four types of insulation to consider when choosing insulation. The cheapest is Batt and blanket, caution is needed when installing. The most expensive is spray foam it’s a better quality of insulation and further winterizing isn’t needed. Most are found in insulated attics and walls. When choosing insulation also considers cellulose and foam board is not flame resistant.