There are many ways to skin a cat, as the old phrase goes. The same is true for attic roof insulation; you have a wide range of solutions. However, choosing the correct sort of attic insulation for your home might mean the difference between having enough money set aside for a summer vacation and losing your summer savings to your energy bill.
Due to a variety of variables such as R-Value, accessibility, durability, eco-friendliness, and the ever-important calculation of “bang for your buck,” various types of attic insulation have become more popular with homes throughout time.
The following are some of the most common forms of attic insulation Richmond VA:
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Insulation with Fiberglass Batts
By far the most popular type of attic insulation is fibreglass, which is made up of incredibly fine glass fibres made from recyclable materials and sand that resemble cotton candy. Fiberglass insulation is most commonly found in batts, which are big rolled-up sheets held together by an adhesive vapour barrier such as reflective foil backing or paper.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation Benefits
Fiberglass batts provide some advantages, particularly for new construction with attics that haven’t been insulated before (as well as gut renovations).
Fiberglass is noncombustible, so you can install it close to your attic’s timber structure without worry.
Easy to Pick Up and Unfurl — Batts are simple to pick up and unfurl. They can also cover a lot of ground quickly due to their size. As long as they are put appropriately, they are an excellent choice for new buildings.
Fiberglass Insulation Blown-in
Fiberglass is also available in the form of loose-fill insulation, which is composed of small fragments bundled in huge sacks. These pieces are implanted using a blowing machine, which spreads the chunks out to fill in the gaps.
Though a 1990s study claimed that blown-in fibreglass loses R-value when exposed to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, this was later found to be inaccurate.
The Final Word on Fiberglass Blown-in
If your attic meets the following criteria, blown-in fibreglass insulation may be the best option for you:
- There is some pre-existing insulation that has holes.
- The joists are unevenly distributed throughout the space.
- On the ground, there are various obstacles.
- The ceiling is low. Low-clearance attics make it difficult to traverse in order to install batts. Even the smallest crawl areas will have enough space for a blowing machine to be useful.
Cellulose Blown-in
Cellulose is created from newspaper that has been shredded into very little pieces. Despite the fact that this appears to be a very simple and cost-effective alternative, cellulose is only positioned in this manner as a result of its marketing throughout time. For a variety of reasons, blown-in cellulose is probably the worst choice for insulation. Here are some of the reasons why people believe cellulose is a good alternative (but it isn’t):
The Final Word on Cellulose Blown-in
Blown-in cellulose can be used in the same settings as blown-in fibreglass, but there has been a lot of marketing surrounding cellulose that has led to false promises that make it a less than desirable alternative for attic insulation.
Foam Spray
Nothing beats spray foam as an insulator. It’s available in two types: open-cell and closed-cell, with the latter boasting an unparalleled R-Value of 7! Spray foam insulation has a number of distinct advantages, including:
- Spray Foam Expands Fast and Locks Down Air in a Vault-Like Closure
- No Water Allowed — Foam is basically anti-cellulose when it comes to moisture. It is completely impervious to water.
- Expanding the Building Envelope — Foam is unlike any other insulation material in that it has the ability to expand your building envelope,
- Expanding your building envelope with spray foam also enhances the structure of your building and acts as a sound barrier.
Spray Foam Insulation: The Final Word
When it comes to achieving good attic insulation, spray foam is without a doubt a franchise player. The spray can, like top players who demand maximum salaries, will set you back a lot of money. Spray foam, like certain athletes, may be high-maintenance during the installation process. It’s exceedingly tough to install professionally and safely unless you’re an expert.
Nonetheless, spray foam will restrict airflow and leakage in a way that no other insulator can, allowing you to save money on your heating cost. As a result, the higher initial investment will eventually pay for itself.
