Differences In Insulation For Attics

Wall insulation can reduce a home s heat loss by 67 while attic insulation can lead to a 40 decrease in heating and cooling costs.

Differences in insulation for attics.

Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively. When air can t move through it you have zero heat transfer through convection. Insulation level are specified by r value. Insulating basement walls or slab foundation can reduce heating costs by10 to 20.

They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively. 10 of your home heating bill costs stem from uninsulated floors. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Cellulose insulation is calculated based on the depth of the blown in insulation.

Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home. Fiberglass insulation in rolls or batts can be easily added by the homeowner. Choose from two types. Batt spray and blown.

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. Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Blown in insulation requires the least amount of work but requires special tools and equipment.

Some types of insulation are found in older homes and some of them may no longer be used. 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. There are different types of attic insulation and they each have their pros and cons. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. This type of insulation. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers.

Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available. There are three common attic insulation types used today. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. When installed properly both types of insulation fill all of the nooks and crannies in a space and make for a perfect air barrier. Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation. Fiberglass insulation is calculated based on the number of batts or rolls you need.