Attic Insulation Basics

The more heat you can prevent from escaping into your attic the healthier your attic and roof will be.

Attic insulation basics.

Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Most of us spend the majority of our time in our homes and for those of us who spend the majority of our time at work we wish we spent more time at home. Attics that need protection against all 6 paths of heating and cooling loss conduction convection radiation air infiltration moisture accumulation and air intrusion this insulation is not a source of food for pests so its great for attics with pest control issues. It simply is blown in to the depth required to meet the r value specified by local code.

For attics cellulose insulation is blown in parallel to the joists. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Insulation levels are specified by r value. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

Batt insulation is a type of insulation made of loosely matted fibers fashioned into a blanket like form. Sounds excessive but it isn t. Istock 14599457 attic insulation s4x3 insulation is one of the most important components of a home that can help to affordably keep you and your family comfortable year round. This type of insulation.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Attic most building codes also require insulation in the attic. In frigid areas experts recommend 12 of fiberglass insulation between the living space and attic giving you an r value of 38.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. It can be used by itself to fill in joist cavities that have no insulation or laid as a thick layer over the top of existing batts of fiberglass insulation. Blown in dry cellulose insulation is commonly used in this area of the home. If the cost to heat and cool your home is getting you down don t worry.

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. We all know that insulation makes our homes more energy efficient. The installation process for dry cellulose insulation looks like this.

It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material.