The higher the R-value, the more effective an insulating material is. Your home's R-value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. In general, an attic's R-value should be between R and R In particularly cold climates, you might go up to R Let's say the insulation you've selected has an R-value of three per inch and you'd like to achieve an overall value of R You'll need about 12 inches of insulation material.
Here are the most popular options for attic insulation, along with a ballpark figure on pricing. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest DIY insulation material. It's available in fiberglass, mineral wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers. This type of insulation is ideal for attics with standard spaced beams and joists and very few obstructions.
Batts must be carefully trimmed to fit snugly around vents to retain their R-value effectiveness. Pricing can vary based on thickness and material, but it's generally 0. This product comes with a three-layer composite comprised of a perforated foil facing, a Microlite fiberglass core and a reflective foil facing to help significantly reducing cooling and heating costs. Looking for professional installation? Be sure to schedule an appointment today and get an estimate!
Not sure if you need to insulate your attic? Learn about several advantages of the best attic insulation below:. Heat tends to move toward colder environments. This addition or loss of heat will cause your air conditioner or furnace to go into overdrive. Cooling and heating your house will be very difficult with an uninsulated attic. Pollutants like mold, smoke, radon, and dirt linger in the air outside your home.
But when you invest in the best attic insulation, you can prevent these pollutants from invading your attic and home. Inadequate insulation in your attic can cause uncomfortable temperature fluctuations throughout your home.
You may notice that your upstairs area is warmer than your downstairs area, or one of your spare bedrooms is warmer than the kitchen area.
Under insulating your home can cause unwelcome temperature fluctuations and create undesirable living conditions. Some families only use their attics for storage. The thought of spending time in the room above their house is a forbidden one because of the unbearable heat or cold. But you can eliminate extreme temperatures in your attic by investing in attic insulation. Once you complete a thorough job, you can turn your attic into an extra bedroom or playroom for your kids. How much square footage of material will you need?
Loose-fill materials come in bags and are blown into place, meaning you can install the material to your desired density and depth. Alternatively, you can choose from batts or rolls, which come in pre-cut sections. They work best in spaces without obstructions, and your attic should ideally have adequate headroom. Do you have some unanswered questions about the best attic insulation? Read below for solutions to some of the most common inquiries homeowners have about attic insulation:.
The cost of attic insulation will vary greatly depending on your location, the materials you choose, and the size of your space. You can save a significant chunk of money by doing attic insulation yourself, but you must be confident in your abilities. Otherwise, you risk doing a sub-par job and creating the need for a do-over down the line to fix any issues. From our experience, spray foam attic insulation tends to have high R-values.
No option is better than another. Cut the thick pieces of insulation to fit tightly between the gaps in wooden frames or around pipes, wires, and other obstacles. Spray foam insulation is the primary type of attic insulation.
Pair it with blanket insulation to better insulate edges and corners, and use it to seal gaps in existing walls. The spray foam is made of liquid polyurethane, which, when sprayed into the cavity of your wall or attic, expands and hardens into a solid foam.
It works through its reflective foil barrier, which is attached to kraft paper or polyethylene bubbles. The bubbles help prevent the transfer of heat through the barrier because they provide a pocket of air, which reduces the rate that heat can move through the substance.
While standard insulation reduces the flow of heat, radiant foil reflects it. Because of this difference, radiant foil cannot be measured using the same factors attributed to blanket, spray, or foam board insulation. Radiant foil usually is the most affordable type of insulation. Low in cost and easy to install, foam board insulation is generally made of polyurethane, polystyrene, or polyisocyanurate.
Sheets of foam board can be cut to fit tightly between wall studs or attic ceiling joists. Because they are not as effective at insulating, foam boards are not as popular as blanket insulation. Instead, it dries in a relatively quick time frame. However, there are other factors to consider, including the R-value and material. The higher the R-value rating of a product, the more effective it is at reducing energy costs in your home. R-value is usually listed in the product description or on the product packaging.
The optimal R-value for the insulation in your home also depends on your geographic location. Review this Energy Star R-value chart to learn the estimated R-value for your geographic region.
Attic insulation can be constructed from a wide range of materials, including cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool, liquid polyurethane, and polystyrene. Keep in mind that insulation cannot be installed just anywhere in your home. For instance, if blanket insulation is placed over air intake vents, the harmful particles can circulate through your home.
Additionally, placing insulation near exposed electrical connections or over the top of heat vents could cause a fire. Based on the type and style of the home, also consider how and where to place the insulation.
Older homes and homes with wooden shingles may be built with a design that allows the natural evaporation of excess moisture. Insulation installed in these areas acts as a sponge, soaking up the moisture instead of allowing it to dissipate.
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