What insulation is best for attic?

Loose-fill fiberglass attic insulation still experiences convection, but not nearly as much as old fiberglass used to. If you check with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, they'll assure you that fiberglass or mineral wool is definitely your best choice for attic insulation.

What R-value do I need for attic?

Depending on where you live and the part of your home you're insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you'll need a different R-Value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.

Is R30 insulation good for attic?

The average recommended level is 14 inches of R49. In Zone 2, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 fill. The average recommended level is 17 inches of R60. In Zone 3, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 fill.

Is foam insulation good for attics?

Closed cell is hard and sealed tight, not allowing moisture to get through.” Closed-cell spray foam is a better choice for keeping subfloor moisture at optimal levels, while open-cell spray foam is a better choice for walls and attics, because it allows homes to “breathe.”

Which is better spray foam vs blown in insulation?

Between spray foam and blown-in cellulose, which is better? Both spray foam and blown-in cellulose insulation have their advantages. Spray foam has a higher R-value, so it's the more effective insulator.

Things To Know Before Insulating Your Attic | Improve Comfort

Is spray foam insulation better than fiberglass?

Spray foam insulation has a higher R-value than fiberglass, making it a better insulator. Another difference between them is that spray foam is watertight while fiberglass cracks under moisture. However, installing spray foam requires a professional while fiberglass is easy to install yourself.

Which is better R19 or R30 insulation?

The bigger the R value, the better the insulation is at slowing down the heat transfer. So R19 is better insulation than R13, and R30 is better than R19. The larger the R value, the better the insulation value.

Can I have too much insulation in my attic?

It's possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.

Is R-38 insulation Good for attic?

So, for your attic insulation, we have a minimum standard of R-38, and a recommended standard of R-49. R-Value is explained as thus: “the resistance, or strength of a material to slowing down the flow (movement) of heat”. Generally speaking, cellulose attic insulation doesn't care which way the heat is moving.

Is R60 attic insulation worth it?

Recommended R-Value Varies by State

You need exactly as much as the area you live in determines. Here, where temps get pretty hot for much of the year, attics should have from R30 to R60 (average is R38). Those living up north want anything from R49 to R60. This helps insulate against the extreme cold weather.

What is r15 insulation used for?

R-15 EcoTouch® insulation is intended to be friction-fit between exterior wall wood studs. Standard R-11 batts require the use of thick foam sheathing to achieve the recommended R-19 thermal performance.

What is R-38 insulation used for?

10¼ ” thick, R-38C EcoTouch® Thermal Batt insulation prevents moisture damage and help assure long roof life by providing 1" of ventilation air space between the insulation and roof deck.

Is r49 better than r38?

A ceiling with an R-value of 38 lets through only 1/38 of the amount of energy per square foot that passes through that window, or about 2.6% of the energy; a ceiling with an R-value of 49 lets through only 1/49 of the amount of energy per square foot that passes through that window, or about 2.0 % of the energy.

How many square feet does a bag of r38 cover?

The coverage for each package is 42.67 sq. ft. The coverage for the 8 bag pallet 341.36 sq.

Should I remove old attic insulation before adding new?

Unless it's water damaged or rodent-infested, you do not need to remove your attic insulation. Remember, if you are concerned about dust and air quality, you need to have your attic air sealed to separate the attic from the house before you add more insulation, otherwise you'll just make the dust problem worse.

Which type of insulation is most effective?

Spray foam insulation is the most energy-efficient insulation to create an air barrier in the attic. Certain spray foams can expand up to 100 times its original size, so it fills all of the nooks and crannies in the attic.

Is batt insulation better than blown in?

Practical and durable: When comparing batt insulation vs. blown cellulose, keep in mind that batt insulation is a more effective thermal barrier. The thermal performance of loose fill insulation will not last for the life of the building. Most blown-in insulation materials will settle and lose R-value over time.

Should I use R19 or r21?

Both come in rolls and are installed the same way. R-21 insulation is more efficient at preventing the transfer of heat, but it costs more per square foot. Construction companies often use R-19 as the standard insulation and may offer R-21 insulation as an available upgrade to buyers.

What is r21 insulation used for?

R-21 EcoTouch® insulation is intended to be friction-fit between exterior wall wood studs. Friction-fit unfaced insulation between studs after cover material has been installed on one side of the cavity. Use wire or metal straps to hold insulation in place in applications without a cover material.

What is R 13 insulation used for?

What is R13 Batt Insulation? R13 batt insulation is typically used to attenuate sound in interior wall cavities. It is akin to a large blanket, designed specifically to fill a wall, floor, or ceiling cavity.

What are the disadvantages of spray foam insulation?

Is spray foam insulation worth the extra money?

If you see the benefit of insulating your new construction home correctly from the start for long-term comfort, energy savings month after month, and fewer headaches while you live in the house, then spray foam insulation may very well be worth the extra cost to you.

Can mold grow on spray foam insulation?

As a product, spray foam insulation does not attract mold. And unlike wood or metal, spray foam does not rot, rust or deteriorate. This means that an area properly sprayed with foam insulation will never become a food source or a hospitable environment for a mold colony.

How thick is r30 insulation?

8¼ ” thick, R-30C EcoTouch® Thermal Batt insulation prevents moisture damage and helps assure long roof life by providing 1" of ventilation air space between the insulation and roof deck. Easy Installation R-30C EcoTouch® Thermal Batt insulation is easy to handle and install.