There is a good chance your home already has some insulation, especially on the frames. But do you have it in your attic? Adding proper insulation to your attic will not only make your home comfier and cozier by keeping it warm in winter and cooler in summer. It will also help you save a lot of money in the long run by keeping your energy bills low. But with so many choices out there, how do you pick the best material for your exact needs? Here’s a quick guide to help you.
Why You Need Attic Insulation
Keep Your Energy Bills Low, Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC
As said earlier, proper attic insulation can make your home more comfortable and cozier during times of extreme heat and cold seasons. But how exactly? By keeping the inside temperature of your home stable. That means it keeps the heat from your heating system during winter, and the cold from your cooling system during summer. Your HVAC system will not need to work extra hard, keeping your energy costs low and helping keep its lifespan longer.
Cleaner Air, Controls Humidity
Attic insulation is good for indoor air quality. Since the insulation works as an added layer of barrier, it seals the crevices and gaps, keeping particles like dust, various allergens, and pollutants from getting inside your house. This is particularly beneficial for households with individuals who suffer from allergies and respiratory problems.
Attic insulation also helps control the humidity levels of your home, reducing the risk of mildew and mold growth. This doesn’t only protect your property from potential structural damage but also ensures good air quality and a safer space for the whole family.
Maintains the Resale Value of Your Home
If you plan on selling your house and moving elsewhere in the future, attic insulation will help you get the most out of the property. More and more home buyers today place energy efficiency on their priority list, and attic insulation is a great way to do it.
Types of Attic Insulation Materials
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass batt (pre-cut) is the most common type of insulation, it is affordable and easy to install.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Readily available
- Energy efficient
- Easy to install
- Fire resistant
- Eco-friendly
- Keeps its form longer
- Soundproof
Cons:
- Can be tricky to install
- Absorbs moisture, can get damp
- May invite pests
Fiberglass is considered the best option out there, it is affordable, readily available, and easy to install if you know how to handle the material. It is extremely energy efficient as it helps slow the spread of hot and cold air. It is also good at maintaining indoor air quality by keeping unwanted pollutants from getting in. Most fiberglass insulation is made up of recycled materials (from glass and sand), it is also lightweight and flame-resistant.
The only major drawback of fiberglass is it can be really tricky to install, especially if you don’t have experience in handling the material. Fiberglass can cause irritation to the skin and lungs. Plus, it needs quite a long time to completely dry. Thus, you need safety equipment such as gloves and a mask. Or better yet, ask the pros to do it for you.
Also, the very nature of the material is inviting to pests such as rodents and insects. Moreover, it doesn’t mix well with moisture. If it gets wet, it can retain dampness, which means it can breed mold.
Blown-In Fiberglass
If you like the benefits of fiberglass, but don’t want to use batts (pre-cuts), then you should consider blown-in, also known as loose-fill insulation.
Pros:
- Energy efficient
- Fills tight and irregular spaces better
- Can be added over existing insulation
- Sound proof
- Faster to install
- Improves indoor air quality
Cons:
- Requires special equipment to install
- Requires more maintenance
- Settles over time, reducing effectiveness
- Difficult to remove should it get damp
Blown-in fiberglass has the benefits of its batts counterpart, minus the hassles of using pre-cuts. While it requires special equipment to install (thus you need help from the pros), it fills the whole attic better as it can fill cracks, gaps, awkward, tight, and hard-to-reach spaces. This means your attic can be fully sealed, keeping cold air from getting in and hot air from getting out, or vice versa, depending on your needs. It also traps sound and improves indoor air quality by keeping unwanted pollutants from getting inside the house.
Since it is still made of fiberglass, it can cause irritation to your skin and can be dangerous to your lungs if inhaled during installation. It also requires more maintenance than other materials, plus, it can be tedious to remove (you will need to wear safety gloves and pick it all up but by but) if it gets damp.
Blown-In Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made-up of recycled paper, making it lighter and safer to install. However, it is a potential fire-hazard.
Pros:
- Effective and easy to install
- Keeps pests away
- Safer to install
- Can fill awkward, tight, and hard-to-reach spaces
- Excellent coverage
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Installation can be messy
- Fire hazard
- Expensive
- Gets damp easily
Since it is made up of recycled paper, cellulose is by far the most eco-friendly choice. Plus, paper is also denser than fiberglass, making it more efficient in both heat retention and cool air retention. However, it can be a fire hazard, as paper can catch fire faster. This is why professional installers add boric acid and ammonium sulfate to make it resistant to fire.
Cellulose, however, is more expensive than fiberglass. Plus, it doesn’t mix well with water as it gets damp easily, causing mold and mildew. Replacing can be both extensive and expensive.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation has become more popular over the years due to its long list of benefits. It fills all gaps, is durable, and extremely efficient.
Pros:
- Efficient insulation
- Adds structural support
- Fills all the gaps, excellent air barrier
- Moisture resistant
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires professional installation
- Chemicals used to create foam are dangerous to touch
While the initial cost for spray foam insulation can be expensive, you get your money’s worth in the long run due to the benefits it can provide. It is extremely effective in keeping the ideal temperature. It fills all the cracks and gaps, making a great moisture barrier. Moreover, the foam itself is durable and will even add structural support to the attic.
Installation for this type of insulation however, requires the service of a professional. It requires special tools and safety equipment, plus the chemicals used to create the foam are dangerous to touch and inhale, as they can cause irritation, inflammation, rashes, swelling, etc.
The Takeaway
These are some of the most common materials for home insulation. As you can see, different types have different benefits and drawbacks. The best way to find the right insulation material for your home is to stick to the recommended R-value in your area, the climate, the amount of sunlight your house receives, etc.
Moreover, you cannot go wrong with hiring the services of the pros. They have the skills, experience, and equipment to do the job safely and efficiently.
Leave a Reply