Attic Insulation Basics
The installation process for dry cellulose insulation looks like this.
Attic insulation basics. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Batt insulation is a type of insulation made of loosely matted fibers fashioned into a blanket like form. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. 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.
We all know that insulation makes our homes more energy efficient. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Insulation levels are specified by r value.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. This type of insulation. Blown in dry cellulose insulation is commonly used in this area of the home.
If the cost to heat and cool your home is getting you down don t worry. Istock 14599457 attic insulation s4x3 insulation is one of the most important components of a home that can help to affordably keep you and your family comfortable year round. It can be used by itself to fill in joist cavities that have no insulation or laid as a thick layer over the top of existing batts of fiberglass insulation. It simply is blown in to the depth required to meet the r value specified by local code.
In frigid areas experts recommend 12 of fiberglass insulation between the living space and attic giving you an r value of 38. Sounds excessive but it isn t. Most of us spend the majority of our time in our homes and for those of us who spend the majority of our time at work we wish we spent more time at home. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow.
Attics that need protection against all 6 paths of heating and cooling loss conduction convection radiation air infiltration moisture accumulation and air intrusion this insulation is not a source of food for pests so its great for attics with pest control issues. Check your attic insulation. But even if you re lucky enough to have insulation in your home you heating and cooling bills might be out of control. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Attic most building codes also require insulation in the attic.