A Well Insulated Attic, What to Consider When Choosing Insulation

When choosing insulation you will find 4 different kinds. Your choice depends on the area to be insulated, amount needed and cost. I will cover these points so you will know what type to use.

Spray foam is one type to consider when choosing insulation. The insulation comes in easy to use bottles. It’s sprayed into the area to be insulated. It expands as its sprayed filling all the cracks, giving a better coverage. The initial cost is more, but unlike the others you do not need to winterize later. You will find it in insulated attics and finished walls. It’s the best to use in tight enclosed places.

The loose fill is similar to spray foam because it to is blown into the area. There are two types Cellulose, fiberglass and rock wool. Like spray foam it is used in finished walls and insulated attics. Its R factor is 3 or 4 with cellulose having a 30% higher R factor.

The third to consider when choosing insulation is foam board. It’s made from fiberglass, polystyrene or polyurethane. This insulation is used in edges of concrete blocks, borders, insulated attics and basement walls. The R factor is a little higher than the other it’s R4-R8 per square inch.

The last one is the batt and blanket. It is made from processed fiberglass or rock wool, It comes in 8 ft’ sheets or rolls. This type of insulation is the cheapest but caution is needed when installing otherwise you may not get desired results. You can find this in insulated attics, unfinished walls and floors.

Flame resistance is important when choosing insulation. The two that are not flame resistant is foam board and the Cellulose loose fill. Cellulose being made from paper can reignite. Foam board is required to be covered with dry wall or flame resistant paneling.

When choosing insulation you can be sure that all 4 types are environmental friendly. Fiberglass and slag wool both are made from recycled material, foam boards biodegrades in moisture. The spray on foam does not contain any harmful chemicals.

There are four types to consider when choosing insulation, Batt and blanket, foam board, spray foam and loose fill. Cellulose and the foam board are not flame resistant, the others are. Loose fill and spray foam can be blown into the finished product, the others can’t. All are found in attic insulation and walls.