5 Common Types of Attic Insulation: Which One Is Right for You?

5 Types of Attic Insulation

Below are the five common types of attic insulation. 

Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

One type of insulation is blown-in cellulose. Blown-in cellulose insulation uses the same distribution method as fiberglass insulation, but the material differs. This type of attic insulation involves using cellulose.

Cellulose is composed of recycled materials such as newspapers, cardboard, or wood-based materials. Afterward, the cellulose is then blown-in, just like blown-in fiberglass insulation. Professionals install blown-in cellulose insulation to fill gaps, keep heat inside your home, and prevent cold air from entering.

Disadvantages

• Cost Effective – Blown-in insulation is relatively cheaper despite the R-value. Blown-in cellulose insulation is a bit more affordable than blown-in fiberglass insulation. Even though it’s slightly more cost-effective, blown-in insulation absorbs and retains moisture. Moisture makes it a prime environment for mold and mildew to form. The material is also highly dusty and often reported by customers feeling dust coming through the ceiling, light fixtures, and vents. 
• Treated with boric acid – Many advertising companies like to promote that blown-in cellulose insulation is treated with boric acid, which makes it an excellent option for repelling rodents and insects. The amount of boric acid in the insulation does not prevent rodents or insects, which is the opposite.

Final Ruling

Cellulose manufacturers have made many false claims to make it a less preferred option for attic insulation. Cellulose also can settle in and shape any area, which can cause insulation problems. As the insulation settles, gaps will reduce its effectiveness.

For example, Cellulose vs. Fiberglass’s lifespan is half the life span. Generally, cellulose will last 10-15 years before drastically shrinking in R-Value, smelling like old carpet, and getting damaged by leaks or rodents.

Blown-in cellulose insulation also soaks up moisture in insulated areas and will take a long time to dry out. When moisture is soaked up, this can lead to mold and mildew problems. When you have wet insulation, this will lead to a lower R-Value. 

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is another type of insulation for your attic space. Spray foam insulation comes in open-cell and closed-cell.

One downside to spray foam insulation is that it’s hard to remove once it hardens on the roof and typically recommended by professionals along with a new roof. This way, they will both expire around the same time, which also means more cost if you have to do both around the same time. Aside from that, spray foam insulation can become expensive and is mainly used in commercial buildings or areas with vaulted ceilings.

Final Ruling 

During installation, spray foam insulation can become high maintenance and challenging to install correctly, with little room for error between installation and preparation of spray foam chemicals. Professionals consider spray foam insulation one of the best insulation options for homes.

Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Fiberglass Batt insulation is the most frequently installed insulation and is often what most homeowners are familiar with. Fiberglass insulation has glass fibers that are made up of recycled materials. The most common form of fiberglass insulation is Batt.

Batt insulation is made up of large, rolled-up sheets that are held together by a vapor barrier. Here are some of the advantages of having fiberglass batt insulation.

Advantages

• Easily installed – Batt insulation is easy to handle and install. Due to its size, it can cover a decent-sized attic space. Batt insulation is a popular choice among new construction properties when installed correctly. It can be removed easily if needed as well.
• Fire resistant – Fiberglass insulation is non-combustible. 
• Moisture resistance – Even though any insulation is susceptible to water damage, fiberglass insulation is one of the best at resisting moisture efficiently. With moisture resistance, fiberglass insulation is less likely to have any mold growth or mildew buildup
• Soundproof – In addition to blocking air, fiberglass insulation can block sound.
• Long-term value – Fiberglass insulation can conserve up to twelve times more energy and can lead to lower utility costs. 20-30 year is the average lifespan.

Final Ruling 

• PINK NEXT-GEN FIBERGLASS
• GREEN GUARD GOLD CERTIFIED 
• ECO- SOFT TOUCH 
• INDUSTRIES’ HIGHEST RECYCLED CONTENT 

Fiberglass Batt Insulation has been one of the supreme, top-selling attic insulation used in 90% of homes. With its long list of advantages, it’s one of the top recommended among professionals, is budget-friendly, and can shave money off your utility bill! 

Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation

Blown-in insulation uses the same type of material as fiberglass insulation but differs in its distribution method. Rather than coming in large rolls, blown-in insulation requires its fiberglass to be blown into your attic. Installing this type of insulation is typically done with a machine to cover your attic space.

Advantages

• Fills small spaces – Blown-in insulation is perfect for filling small areas that are tight with wiring, pipes, or any unusual corners with tight framing.
• Budget-friendly – Blown-in insulation is one of the cheaper types of insulation available, making this a budget-friendly option among homeowners.
• Saves energy – Blown-in insulation locks in cooler indoor attic temperatures and prevents it from leaking out. With this type of insulation, some homeowners have reported saving up to fifty percent on their energy costs.
• Easy to install – Can be installed in just a few hours by two professionals

Final Ruling

When it comes to insulation, blown-in insulation is one of the best options for your home. It’s budget-friendly, reliable, and, most importantly, can be trusted when unexpected temperatures and weather approach. In addition, blown-in insulation has fire-resistant capabilities. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Attic Insulation

Once you’ve determined which attic insulation suits your home, finding the proper attic insulation isn’t tricky. However, there are some other factors you’ll want to consider, such as its material and R-Value.

R-Value

To assist homeowners in finding the best insulation, manufacturers and other professionals refer to an insulation’s “R-Value” in terms of effectiveness. R-value is the measurement of the resistance to the flow of heat insulation. The higher R-value, the more effective the insulation is and the more it will help reduce energy costs.

Radiant foil, however, isn’t measured by its R-value because it functions to reflect heat instead of reducing heat transmission. To learn more about your region’s recommended R-value, you can visit Energystar.gov.

Material

You’ll find that attic insulation uses various materials. Some of those materials are:

• Cellulose
  • Consists of cellulosic fibers
  • R-value of 3.8 per inch 
• Fiberglass
  • Made from woven fibers
  • Easy to cut and install
  • Regularly used in blanket insulation or blow-in.
  • R-value of 2.7 per inch 
• Mineral wool
  • Stone-based
  • It contains basalt rock and recycled steel slag
  • R-value of 3.3 per inch 
• Liquid Polyurethane
  • The main ingredient in spray foam
  • R-value ranges from 3.5 per inch to 6.5 per inch 
• Polystyrene
  • Used to cream foam board insulation
  • R-value of 3.8 per inch to 5 per inch
• Cotton
  • Made with recycled materials
  • Easy to cut 
  • Easy to install 

Why You Should Choose Master Attic For Your Attic Insulation Needs

With over twenty years of experience, Master Attic has provided efficient and safe services to the New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania areas. As a leading brand in the industry, our top priority is to put customer care at the frontline of our work.

Our licensed technicians use professional and top-grade materials to ensure you receive long-lasting, effective, and safe solutions for years of comfort. When we discuss your attic insulation needs, we will ensure we meet your needs and budget without sacrificing the integrity of the product.

Most importantly, our licensed technicians are trained within our company directly. Our team has remediated thousands of attic spaces throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, building a fantastic reputation with homeowners. If you’ve been contemplating installing new attic insulation, call us today. 

Contact Master Attic

If you have any questions or concerns, Contact Master Attic today for a free estimate for new attic insulation.