Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Old types of insulation for attics.
Cellulose provides an r value of approximately 3 5 per inch.
There are five main types of insulation that you may encounter.
If your home was built before 1990 chances are you have one of the old attic insulation types if the insulation particles have a certain colour usually grey brown or silver gold the particles of the insulation have an accordion like texture if the insulation lays flat.
Most attics are insulated with blown in loose cellulose r 3 5 per inch blown in loose fiberglass r 2 5 per inch or fiberglass batts r 3 2 per inch.
How to choose the attic insulation your home needs blanket 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.
Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation.
Fiberglass is just that thin fibers of glass that trap air.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
Here are some guidelines.
Fiberglass batt attic insulation pros and cons.
Pros and cons of attic insulation types.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
Article index to types of building insulation.
First you should understand the different types of insulation.
Cellulose is recycled newsprint treated with a fire retardant.
How do i identify old ceiling insulation.
Fiberglass batts offer the easiest way to add attic insulation or just about any area of your home.
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.
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.
Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers.
Loose fill insulation is great for installing in attics with very little headroom and multiple.
Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.
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.