Blow In Attic Insulation Types

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

Blow in attic insulation types.

The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers. If you don t have hvac and ducts in the attic spray foam on the roofline isn t really necessary.

Blown in spray foam batts and blankets. The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. There are three types of blown in insulation.

The three most common types of blown in insulation are loose fill fiberglass cellulose and rock wool each with its own pros and cons. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Like cellulose you need a big machine to blow it in. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

If you choose to install the insulation yourself follow the manufacturer s instructions and safety precautions carefully and check local building and fire codes. Which gives the insulation a spongy texture. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. Loose fill fiberglass seems to dominate attic insulation in new construction homes and has an r value of approximately 2 5 per inch.

It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass. 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. 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. To evaluate sprayed or blown in types of insulation measure the depth of the insulation and check for gaps in coverage.

Both types of insulation provide an. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. We offer our review of the three most popular types of attic insulation with a look at each one s pros and cons.