Differences In Insulation For Attics

Insulating basement walls or slab foundation can reduce heating costs by10 to 20.

Differences in insulation for attics.

In the baltimore area the u s. Wall insulation can reduce a home s heat loss by 67 while attic insulation can lead to a 40 decrease in heating and cooling costs. Some types of insulation are found in older homes and some of them may no longer be used. They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. When air can t move through it you have zero heat transfer through convection. Department of energy recommends r 49 attic insulation. When installed properly both types of insulation fill all of the nooks and crannies in a space and make for a perfect air barrier.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. 10 of your home heating bill costs stem from uninsulated floors. Attic insulation is measured by an r value which indicates how insulation controls the flow of heat and cold through your home. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

Batt spray and blown. However building codes only require an r 38. Choose from two types. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

There are different types of attic insulation and they each have their pros and cons. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material. Some installations can yield a higher r value than traditional batt insulation for the same thickness and can fill even the smallest cavities creating an effective air barrier. 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.

This type of insulation. Blown in insulation requires the least amount of work but requires special tools and equipment. Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively. Fiberglass insulation is calculated based on the number of batts or rolls you need.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Cellulose insulation is calculated based on the depth of the blown in insulation. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. Insulation level are specified by r value.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available.