If you have an attic in your home in Greensboro, North Carolina, consider the insulation options you have to save money on your monthly bills. Not having the right insulation in your attic can not only cost you money but also create uneven temperatures in your home. Examine the pros and cons of these main types of attic insulation and which one is right for your home:
Loose Fill Insulation
A professional blows this insulation material using special machinery. This type of loose fill works best for attics that have many obstructions, irregular spaces or low ceilings. It’s also best for attics that already have insulation but need gaps filled in.
There are three material choices for loose fill: fiberglass, cellulose and mineral wool.
- Fiberglass includes sand or recycled glass and is lighter in weight than cellulose and mineral wool. However, it settles more than these materials, which means you need a thicker layer to insulate your attic well.
- Cellulose includes recycled post-consumer paper that’s fiberized and packed tightly to inhibit airflow. This is the most commonly used material in insulation. Homeowners have to be careful with the humidity levels, as the material can deteriorate.
- Mineral wool includes recycled slag or rock, and it’s fire resistant.
Batts or Rolls Insulation
This insulation type includes packaged rolls that come in different sizes of width and thickness. Some rolls have a paper or foil that blocks vapor. A professional can easily cut this insulation to fill a space, and they can layer it to the desired amount of insulation.
However, it’s not ideal to fill the whole space and block airflow. Attics that can benefit from rolls include those with high ceilings and standard joist spacing.
There are four types of material used for batts insulation:
- Fiberglass is common in this type of insulation. It’s made of fine glass fibers and not messy to install. It has a lower energy efficiency when compared to spray foam, and it’s less durable.
- Cellulose includes fibers from paper that won’t irritate lungs. They’re insect and fire resistant. However, they’re more difficult to find.
- Mineral wool is another recycled content material that’s fire resistant.
- Cotton includes recycled denim material. It’s effective at blocking air and sounds.
Spray Foam Insulation
Professionals use spray foam when homeowners want to insulate the walls and rafters instead of the floor. The foam can help the attic become a usable living space. There are four types of spray foam insulation materials: cementitious, phenolic, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane.
Spray foam insulation is a great option to fill in missed areas from existing insulation, in irregular areas or where there’s obstruction. Professionals apply it using a spray that’s poured, injected or foamed. The various methods available can produce a higher R-value than loose fill or batts. Spray foam also has an effective airflow blockage. If you choose spray foam for insulation, you need to cover it with drywall for safety.
Benefits of Insulation
There’s nothing more important than feeling comfortable in your own home. By insulating your attic, you won’t only save on your heating bill but keep the house cool during the hot summer months. The material you choose to insulate will depend on your house’s location. An insulated attic will remove drafts and uncontrolled temperatures. As a result, it’ll contribute to even temperatures so you feel comfortable.
Insulation types depend on your home’s particular structure and age. Therefore, it’s important to schedule a professional consultation to decide which insulation is right for your home. Call Charlie’s Heating and Cooling at (336) 629-5453 to help make the right choice for your attic.
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