Differences In Insulation For Attics

Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage.

Differences in insulation for attics.

When installed properly both types of insulation fill all of the nooks and crannies in a space and make for a perfect air barrier. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. However building codes only require an r 38.

Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available. Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home. 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. Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively.

Insulating basement walls or slab foundation can reduce heating costs by10 to 20. Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Choose from two types. Cellulose insulation is calculated based on the depth of the blown in insulation. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Fiberglass insulation in rolls or batts can be easily added by the homeowner.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. In the baltimore area the u s. Blown in insulation requires the least amount of work but requires special tools and equipment. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

10 of your home heating bill costs stem from uninsulated floors. This type of insulation. Insulation level are specified by r value. Some types of insulation are found in older homes and some of them may no longer be used.

Batt spray and blown. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. 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. They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively.

Wall insulation can reduce a home s heat loss by 67 while attic insulation can lead to a 40 decrease in heating and cooling costs. There are three common attic insulation types used today. When air can t move through it you have zero heat transfer through convection. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material.