Best Attic Insulation Options

A federal energy tax credit can help homeowners recoup their insulation investment if they complete the improvements by the end of 2007.

Best attic insulation options.

Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively. Some installations can yield a higher r value than traditional batt insulation for the same thickness and can fill even the smallest cavities creating an effective air barrier. Sealing large air leaks is next followed by insulating the basement. Blown in insulation requires the least amount of work but requires special tools and equipment.

Cellulose insulation is calculated based on the depth of the blown in insulation. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. Department of energy polystyrene insulation comes in rigid foam boards that make it easy to insulate any part of a building. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively. Among commonly used types of insulation there are mineral wool or fiberglass rolls and batts rigid fiberglass board loose fill materials cellulose mineral wool etc. Fiberglass insulation is calculated based on the number of batts or rolls you need. If you don t have hvac and ducts in the attic spray foam on the roofline isn t really necessary.

In fact it s a form of plastic. Polystyrene doesn t sound like a green material. The attic is the easiest place to insulate and the most important in terms of saving money and energy. Ft while closed cell comes in at 1 200.

I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. Yet polystyrene is a fabulous insulator with r values that range from r 3 8 to r 4 4 per inch of thickness and so it s considered green because it helps save so much energy source. Rolls and batts are produced of mineral wool and fiberglass. It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass.

Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. Fiberglass insulation in rolls or batts can be easily added by the homeowner.

Spray foam attic insulation. Material costs and going with diy the open cell costs about 600 to cover 1 000 sq. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. Modern technology of blanket insulation today is considered the best insulation for attic. Choose from two types.