Old House Attic Insulation Types

In most climates it needs a vapor barrier.

Old house attic insulation types.

Asbestos free insulation materials contains our complete list. 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. Older types of insulation include loose fill or batt fiberglass which can be pink yellow or white.

Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. If your home was built before 1990 chances are you have one of the old attic insulation types. Fiberglass insulation fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install. Article index to types of building insulation.

Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material. If it is white however it may be a newer product. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers.

Fiberglass batts cellulose loose fill fiberglass and spray foam. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. If the insulation lays flat. The particles of the insulation have an accordion like texture.

In most cases the best type of attic insulation will be blown fiberglass or blown cellulose insulation. These non asbestos insulations include cellulosic insulations such as loose fill cellulose and balsam wool batts cotton insulation fiberglass insulation mineral wool insulation slag wool insulation and rock wool insulation. While this type is often still used older insulation may be discolored or torn and is therefore less effective. This type of insulation.

The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam. If the insulation is wool like and gray it may be loose fill rockwool. To keep the ventilation space clear above soffit vents special baffles need to be installed before the insulation goes in. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers.

More options exist but these four materials make up the vast majority of installations in minnesota attics where i operate. Some homeowners also take the time to build walkways and or storage platforms in the attic prior to installing insulation. First let s discuss the most common types of insulation available for attics.