Attic Insulation Options Offer Different Pros and Cons

Attic Spray Foam Insulation  Dallas TX plays a critical role in home energy performance. In fact, most building scientists agree that the attic should be the first “target” area for insulation and air-sealing upgrades. Most homes are built with code-required minimum levels of attic insulation that are far below current recommendations established by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Homeowners considering an attic insulation upgrade have a number of different insulation materials to consider. Each attic insulating option has distinct advantages and limitations. Understanding these pros and cons can help you select the best insulation upgrade for your attic.

Fiberglass batt insulation is popular because it’s affordable and universally available. Regardless of age, many houses have attics insulated with fiberglass batts. The batts are typically installed between attic floor joists, and unfaced batts are more common than faced batts in attic installations.

PROS: More affordable than other types of attic insulation. Best type of insulation for DIYers to install. Unlike blown insulation, batts can be lifted up and moved to provide access to the ceiling below, can lights and ceiling-mounted vent fans. Existing batt insulation can often be left in place when blown insulation is added to increase overall R-value in the attic.

CONS: Difficult to install correctly around obstructions. Voids where insulation is missing contribute to significant energy loss. Multiple layers of batt insulation are required to achieve recommended R-values in most parts of the country; this makes it impossible to use the attic for storage unless special platforms are built prior to insulation installation. Fiberglass insulation can’t stop air movement.

Two main types of blown (or blow-in) insulation are commonly used: cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass. Both types are designed to be installed using special blowing equipment.

PROS: Installation can be completed quickly and affordably. Blown insulation typically results in more complete coverage than is possible with fiberglass batts.

CONS: A thick layer of insulation (at least 16 in. for northern parts of the U.S.) is required, and this makes it impossible to use the attic space for storage unless special platforms are built prior to installing the insulation. Cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass insulation can’t stop air movement.