Did you know that you can save an estimated 15% on heating and cooling expenses by insulating key areas of your home, including your attic? Older homes, in particular, tend to need insulation upgrades to trap indoor heating and cooling.
Before making any significant home improvements, it’s worth your while to learn about your options. What are the types of attic insulation available today? What are the benefits and disadvantages of each type?
Read on for our quick and simple guide to the types of attic insulation to choose from to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
Fiberglass Attic Insulation
Chances are, most homeowners are familiar with fiberglass insulation. It’s pink or beige in color and has a texture that looks a lot like cotton candy. Fiberglass batting and blown-in fiberglass are your two main options.
Fiberglass batting is easy to install and comes with added benefits of sound-dampening and fire resistance. Blown-in fiberglass does not have the chemical-based vapor barrier you’ll find in batting, making it more environmentally friendly, although it’s more difficult to maintain. Both can be dangerous to touch and harmful if they start to break down.
Cellulose Attic Insulation
Cellulose is another blown-in insulation option that’s growing in popularity. The cellulose, itself, is made from recycled materials like cardboard. While this has a clear environmental advantage, cellulose also requires added substances like boron that aren’t great for the environment.
Cellulose traps indoor air better than fiberglass. It can also slow the spread of fire. If you’re looking for low-mess installation, you may find that any blown-in methods may not be to your liking.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
Spray foam is growing in popularity for obvious reasons. When installed well, spray foam expands to fill tight nooks and crannies. It can also provide insulation benefits longer compared to your other options.
The upfront cost will be higher if you opt for spray foam. You need professional installation to prevent gaps that can breed mold. Spray foam also requires the utmost care before it dries, because the chemicals in it can harm the skin.
Choosing Between the Types of Attic Insulation
When you’re trying to decide between the different types of attic insulation, you’ll need to consider things like:
- Maintenance
- Longevity
- Cost
- Environmental benefits
You should also find out about potential financial savings. For example, qualified homeowners can save with the Questar gas rebate on new insulation. In most instances, you’ll get better results and more savings when working with a professional, though it may cost more upfront to do so.
Upgrade Your Attic for Better Energy Efficiency
If you’re about to embark on an attic renovation, the first thing to do is decide between the different types of attic insulation. Use this guide to have an informed discussion with your local contractors.
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