Many homeowners focus on sealing and insulating visible areas like walls, floors, windows and doors, but the importance of a well-insulated attic cannot be overstated.
With multiple options available, how do you choose the best insulation for attics? In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of attic insulation, shedding light on why it’s crucial and which materials top the list.
Benefits of Installing Insulation in Your Attic
Attic insulation offers a host of benefits. Some of the advantages include:
- Lower energy costs: By reducing heat transfer through the ceiling, attic insulation lowers your home’s heating and cooling demand, thus decreasing your utility bills.
- Enhanced comfort: Insulation helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.
- Soundproofing: A well-insulated attic serves as a buffer against outdoor noise, giving you a quieter home.
- Environmentally friendly: Lowering your energy consumption contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, supporting a more sustainable future.
Popular Attic Insulation Solutions
The type of insulation you install depends on your budget, your insulation needs and the characteristics of your attic. The three most common types of insulation include:
- Fiberglass: This is available in blown-in and batt form. The blown-in variety is best for covering irregular areas and filling small gaps, while batts are great for areas with standard joist spacing. Fiberglass is made from spun glass fibers and is praised for its fire resistance and affordability. It provides decent thermal insulation but must be installed carefully to avoid gaps that could reduce its effectiveness.
- Cellulose: Cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly option made from recycled paper products treated for fire and pest resistance. With a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass, cellulose provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. Cellulose is only available in loose-fill form and must be blown into place, which requires professional installation.
- Spray foam: A powerful insulator, spray foam provides excellent thermal resistance and air-sealing qualities. It expands on application, filling nooks and crannies for top-notch efficiency.
Fiberglass vs. Cellulose Insulation: Pros & Cons
Due to their affordability and efficiency, fiberglass and cellulose are the most popular types of attic insulation. Each one offers unique strengths and weaknesses, which you should weigh before making your decision.
Fiberglass Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
- Non-flammable
- Non-absorbent
Fiberglass Cons
- Can irritate the skin and lungs during installation
- Requires careful fitting
- Less effective at blocking air leaks than spray foam
Cellulose Pros
- Superior air sealing and high R-value
- Eco-friendly
Cellulose Cons
- Prone to settling, which reduces its effectiveness
- Higher cost than fiberglass
- Requires professional installation
- Susceptible to pests and moisture if treated incorrectly
Other Attic Insulation Alternatives
Spray foam is a superior alternative to traditional insulating materials. It excels at blocking thermal loss because it creates an airtight, waterproof seal. Spray foam comes in two types: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell is lighter and cheaper but offers lower R-value. Closed-cell, while more expensive, offers a higher R-value and adds structural strength to the space.
While spray foam may seem like the ultimate solution, proper installation is essential. Misapplication can lead to gaps or over-insulation, potentially compromising performance or harming the building’s structure.
Spray foam installation is best handled by trained professionals who understand the proper application techniques.
Contact Momper Insulation for Attic Insulation Solutions in Crown Point
With over 60 years of experience, Momper Insulation is your go-to provider for attic insulation solutions. Our seasoned team is well-versed in fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam insulation.
We pride ourselves on delivering quality work, ensuring your attic insulation is installed correctly and efficiently for maximum benefits.
Call 219-663-7777 today for reliable attic insulation services in Crown Point, IN.
