Types of Attic Insulation

There are many different types of insulation you can choose for your attic. When it comes to buying attic insulation, consider a few key factors about your home, the type of attic you have, and where your home is located to help you make a wise decision for buying insulation.

Blown Insulation
There are two distinct types of blown insulation: fiberglass and cellulose. These are the two least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation, with fiberglass being more common than cellulose.

Fiberglass is a popular insulation choice across the globe because it is effective when properly installed and inexpensive. Do-it-yourselfers and contractors don’t need special equipment or training. However, if an inexperienced installer does a sloppy installation job, it reduces the insulation effectiveness.

Blown cellulose fiber is known to be effective insulation for homes at all temperatures. It’s mostly made from recycled paper and is widely known to deter a variety of pests. The cost-effective attic insulation choice can be blown into existing wall cavities or newly created ones as well as onto unfinished attic floors and other places that are hard to reach with traditional insulation rolls.

Batts and Blankets Insulation
Usually made of fiberglass, this type of insulation is highly convenient to purchase, transport, and install. However, it presents a few unique and specific challenges when it comes to attic insulation. One of the primary conundrums is cutting the insulation to fit around wires, pipes, and other features in the attic. House Logic reports that this process can cost up to 50 percent of the insulation’s effectiveness.

One problem many homeowners face with rolls and blankets is that they do not play well with existing insulation. This means they are only recommended for use in homes that do not have existing fiberglass insulation installed.

Sprayed Insulation
Spray foam insulation also comes in two forms, open and closed cell. This type of insulation can be highly effective, but you’ll pay considerably more for the privilege – nearly four times what you would pay for blown fiberglass or cellulose insulation.

No matter what kind of insulation you put in your attic, though, it’s important to consider installing an attic fan at the same time. Attic fans can help improve attic ventilation. This in turn helps to reduce the buildup of moisture in the attic that could lead to mold and/or mildew in the insulation and structural damage to your home. It also helps to extend the life of your insulation, your roof, and more.

Choosing the right insulation for your attic can help you save thousands on utilities during the life of the insulation, meaning the wrong kind of insulation could cost you big by creating the need for more repairs, more frequent replacement, and higher utility bills related to hot spots and insufficient coverage. Installing an attic fan, like the QuietCool Smart Attic Gable Fan – 2830 CFM, is one more great way you can help your insulation operate more effectively.