Best Residential Attic Insulation

Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage.

Best residential attic insulation.

Come in continuous lengths ranging from 20 to 40 feet. Best for unfinished walls floors ceilings and wherever long and continuous insulation pieces are needed. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. 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. Cellulose can be either a loose fill or blown in material and is primarily made of recycled newsprint or denim. Insulation level are specified by r value.

Sealing large air leaks is next followed by insulating the basement. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Modern technology of blanket insulation today is considered the best insulation for attic.

The best types of home attic insulation are open cell spray foam fiberglass and cellulose. Rolls and batts are produced of mineral wool and fiberglass. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. Typically placed in areas where air escapes such as between the stud cavities inside the walls and in the attic it.

If you don t have hvac and ducts in the attic spray foam on the roofline isn t really necessary. Insulation is a vital component in any home that aims to be energy efficient. Available in pre cut widths to fit between studs and joists. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

A federal energy tax credit can help homeowners recoup their insulation investment if they complete the improvements by the end of 2007. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

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. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Insulation rolls leave less opportunity for gaps between sections making them sometimes more effective than batts.