What Are the Most Important Types of Attic Insulation?
There are several types of attic insulation that you can apply to your house, out of which the most important two are blown-in attic insulation and blanket attic insulation. You may have heard people refer to the latter as rolled-in or batts.
Blanket attic insulation can also be considered an extra layer of insulation which is appropriate in cold climates, which is meant to cover any existing gaps. This in turn will increase the overall R-value of your attic.
The fact of the matter is that both of these 2 important types of insulation deliver great results if installed properly. There are specific differences that will show you which one is better for your particular needs. Their R factors are pretty similar, and 2 of the most important differences are the time of installation and the cost. Also, blown-in insulation will create a seamless blanket in your attic, which is not the case of batts. While fiberglass or cellulose blankets can be installed by yourself and they come in do it yourself solutions, this is not the case of the blown-in insulation, which must be done by professionals.
The various types of materials used in rigid insulation like polystyrene, rigid fiberglass or compressed mineral wool make this type of insulation rise to R-values from 4.0 to 6.5 per inch. You will find rigid insulation in a great variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses. It is best suited for exteriors and basement walls.
With R-values ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 per inch, the blown in foam insulation is the work of professionals only, as they can not be found as do-it-yourself installation kits. Spray foam will add strength to the building and it will resist rot and mildew. It can be used on cavities or directly on a surface. It should be applied cautiously, depending on the climate you live in.