Blow In Attic Insulation Types

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

Blow in attic insulation types.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value. Loose fill fiberglass seems to dominate attic insulation in new construction homes and has an r value of approximately 2 5 per inch. If you don t have hvac and ducts in the attic spray foam on the roofline isn t really necessary.

If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form whether it s fiberglass cellulose or another material you generally don t have to be concerned about asbestos. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. There are three types of blown in insulation. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Pros and cons of loose fill fiberglass attic insulation. The three most common types of blown in insulation are loose fill fiberglass cellulose and rock wool each with its own pros and cons. Both types of insulation provide an. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course.

Which gives the insulation a spongy texture. Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. We offer our review of the three most popular types of attic insulation with a look at each one s pros and cons. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

You can t simply buy it in bags and spread it around yourself. To evaluate sprayed or blown in types of insulation measure the depth of the insulation and check for gaps in coverage. 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. The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam.

Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. Blown in spray foam batts and blankets.

Like cellulose you need a big machine to blow it in. If you choose to install the insulation yourself follow the manufacturer s instructions and safety precautions carefully and check local building and fire codes.