Are you experiencing soaring electric bills? Do you notice your indoor temperature fluctuating too often, especially during the winter?
Then these are the most common warning signs of poor home insulation. Insulation works by reducing heat transfers into and out of your home. If you have an attic at home, it's one of the most important areas that you need to insulate.
However, there are different types of attic insulation available out there. The question now is 'which type of attic insulation will work best for you?'. Continue reading below as we break down the different options for attic insulation.
Fiberglass Batts Insulation
Starting our list of the different types of attic insulation is the fiberglass batt. Fiberglass batt is one of the easiest types of insulation that you can add to your attic. Hence, it is also the most common type of insulation you can find.
Apart from easy installation, fiberglass batting also offers affordability. You can have a complete fiberglass batting installation for under $500.
As for its performance, it offers remarkable resistance to moisture damage. It is also non-flammable, which makes it an attractive choice for many homes.
When it comes to its R-Value or its resistance to conductive heat flow, it scores anywhere between 2.2 to 4.3, depending on the type of manufacturing.
The R-Value rating, the better its insulating effectiveness is. Comparing its R-Value to other attic insulations, fiberglass batts often lag. Thus, fiberglass batt insulation is a good option if you don’t have enough money to spare at the moment.
Mineral Wool Insulation
Another interesting option that is making a huge comeback in the United States is mineral wool insulation. Unlike the affordable fiberglass batts, mineral wool insulation is much more costly.
However, it’s key features more than justify the hefty price tag. For starters, mineral wool insulation can work as a fire barrier. It can absorb extreme temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit before it starts to burn.
This feature plays a crucial role during house fires. Because of its remarkable heat resistance, it can buy the firemen some extra time en route to the fire scene.
Furthermore, mineral wool insulation is also water-resistant. Even if there is an ongoing moisture leak in your attic, it can continue insulating your home.
If you wish to reduce outdoor noise that’s coming in, mineral wool is one of your best bets. This makes it the ideal investment for the long-term, too, since it can help you save up to 15% of your temperature control expenses.
As for the downside, it poses serious health risks. Accidentally inhaling it during installation can contribute to developing cancer. Thus, avoid getting close to the attic during installation.
Blown-in Cellulose Insulation
If you want something more affordable than mineral wool insulation but performs better than fiberglass batts, you may consider cellulose insulation. This type of insulation features recycled, ground-up paper as its main components.
This is also the element that makes it attractive for homeowners looking for “greener” alternatives. The manufacturers also add boric to the recycled paper. This helps keep insects from chewing through the insulation.
When it comes to performance, blow-in cellulose insulation scores an R-Value of 3.5 per inch. However, the downside to cellulose insulation comes in the installation. The method is notorious for creating a lot of dust.
Another waterloo of blown-in cellulose insulation is moisture. Though boric acid can help reduce the impact of moisture on the insulation, it remains relatively susceptible. Additionally, air pockets can develop in different parts of the insulation, affecting its performance.
Spray Foam Insulation
If you are going for top-notch performance, then spray foam insulation should be on top of your list. It is easily one of the most effective types of foam insulation in terms of R-Value.
There are two iterations of the spray foam insulation, namely, the closed-cell and the open-cell. The first one scores 6.5 R-Value per inch while the latter, 3.6 R-Value per inch.
Working as impressive air barriers, both options provide remarkable coverage of those nooks and crannies.
To apply this insulation, the contractor will spray liquid polyurethane into your attic. Thereafter, the liquid polyurethane will expand and harden. It will then become solid foam.
When it comes to handling moisture, spray foam insulation is impermeable to water. This means it doesn’t let water in. It also doesn’t absorb water.
As a result, you don’t need to worry about molds and mildew forming. But the best quality that makes it one of the most appealing options is durability. It doesn’t lose its efficiency even after extreme temperature changes.
Thus, after installing it, you don’t have to worry about its maintenance or replacement for the next decade or so.
Additionally, it offers more flexibility compared to other types of insulation. Apart from attic insulation, you can extend foam to your HVAC.
Tips for Maximizing Different Types of Attic Insulation
Regardless of the type of attic insulation you choose, you need to learn how to maximize its effectiveness. Even if you’re using the most efficient type, there is still something you can do to increase its insulating prowess.
For starters, you need to check for any leaks in your attic and seal them accordingly. Do so before installing your insulation of choice. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any leaks or holes.
Does your attic come with vents? If so, don’t cover those vents when laying down the new insulation. Vents work by keeping the temperature inside your attic the same as the one outside.
Another important area that you need to insulate is your attic’s hatch. This is the entryway in the ceiling below. Thus, apply insulation on top of the hatch using the same level of insulation on your attic’s floor.
Let’s Work on Your Attic Insulation, Today!
Now that you know the different types of attic insulation, you can make better choices and provide the best insulation for the attic available. And if you’re looking for a contractor you can trust, then you came to the right place.
We offer top-notch insulation for attics and other parts of the house. Connect with us and request a free quote. Let us inspect your home and install the insulation your home truly deserves.
