Best Residential Attic Insulation

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

Best residential attic insulation.

Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Rolls and batts are produced of mineral wool and fiberglass. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

The best types of home attic insulation are open cell spray foam fiberglass and cellulose. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. Come in continuous lengths ranging from 20 to 40 feet. 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.

Best for unfinished walls floors ceilings and wherever long and continuous insulation pieces are needed. Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. Modern technology of blanket insulation today is considered the best insulation for attic. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. Typically placed in areas where air escapes such as between the stud cavities inside the walls and in the attic it.

Sealing large air leaks is next followed by insulating the basement. Available in pre cut widths to fit between studs and joists. Insulation rolls leave less opportunity for gaps between sections making them sometimes more effective than batts. Cellulose is the oldest insulation material used for not only the attic but other areas of the home as well.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Cellulose can be either a loose fill or blown in material and is primarily made of recycled newsprint or denim. The attic is the easiest place to insulate and the most important in terms of saving money and energy. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.

Insulation is a vital component in any home that aims to be energy efficient. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. 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.