Why Fiberglass Batt Is the Best Attic Insulation Material. Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install. Fiberglass batt is also incredibly energy efficient, as it helps to slow the spread of hot and cold air.
Cellulose is an eco-friendly and cost-effective insulation for attics. Fiberglass and mineral wool are also popular choices because they are good at keeping heat in or out and resist moisture and pests. Special equipment blows the loose-fill material into the attic spaces, ensuring it covers everything evenly.
Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Yes, you can use R19 insulation in an attic, but whether it's suitable depends on a few factors: Climate Zone: R19 insulation is typically appropriate for attics in moderate climates. In colder climates, higher R-values (like R30 or R38) may be recommended to effectively prevent heat loss.
While loft insulation is an effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, over-insulating can lead to several potential issues. Firstly, over-insulation can lead to poor ventilation in the attic, which can cause moisture buildup and increase the risk of mould growth.
If your attic has little or no existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-38 rated material. If your attic has 2-3″ of existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-30 to achieve a total of R-38. If your attic has 5-6″ of existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-19 to achieve a total of R-38.
Also, when laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter toward the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling).
Heat naturally rises, and without proper insulation, it escapes through your attic, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. 💰 Upgrading insulation can reduce energy costs by up to 30%! ✅ Better insulation = less heat loss in winter and less heat gain in summer.
If the existing attic insulation is an R-19, you may choose to add another layer of R-19. Two layers of R-19 at 6¼ ” thick will achieve a total R-value of 38. So adding an R-19 batt to an existing R-19 batt will give you a total insulation value of R-38.
R13 insulation is generally more affordable, which makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious projects. However, R19 insulation offers better long-term advantages because of its higher R-value. Why? Because the R-Value translates to a greater energy savings over time.
Typically, you use unfaced insulation when you plan to add more insulation to your attic or between the walls and floors of your living spaces at home.
Insulating your attic floor can create a vented attic, which is ideal for storage and not needing temperature control upstairs. Insulating the ceiling will make an unvented attic, which allows you to control the temperature for temperamental storage items, living space, and HVAC ductwork.
With certain types of insulation materials, installing your own insulation is definitely doable—and you can save money not hiring a professional. Installing fiberglass or mineral wool insulation are simple DIY projects. Other insulation types, such as spray foam insulation, require the use of a professional.
The absolute minimum for attic insulation R-values across the country is R-30, with upper recommended ranges between R-49 and R-60 for zones 1 through 3.
However, the DOE recommends that attics in Southern homes be insulated with 13 to 14 inches, or R-38, of insulation at minimum. Northern homes should have attics with 16 to 18 inches of insulation or R-49. If your home isn't insulated to the recommended thickness, you likely want to consider adding more insulation.
For example, homeowners in the southern United States can begin insulating their attic using materials that have R-values in the R30 to R60 range and R13 to R19 insulation ratings for the floors. Attic insulation should be R49-R60, while floor insulation should be R25-R30 for those in the north of the United States.
The optimal R-value for most homes is 30, but you can go as high as 38 if you live in a tropical climate. Anything higher than 38 indicates an over-insulated space.
R-21 insulation achieves its superior performance with minimal difference in thickness compared to R-19, to make it ideal for applications where space is limited.
Do I Have To Remove Old Insulation? Unless your insulation is wet, moldy or infested with pests, you don't need to remove it before adding insulation on top of it. ENERGY STAR® recommends that you inspect your insulation for signs of mold, mildew, moisture and pest infiltration before making this determination.
Blown fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.2 to 3.8, making it slightly less likely than rolled fiberglass to prevent the flow of heat into and out of your house. That being said, though, blown fiberglass insulation isn't meant to cover huge areas like rolled fiberglass insulation.
While both types provide insulation, R30 is the better option for maximizing energy savings in areas where heat loss or gain is a major concern. For example, R19 may suffice for interior walls, but R30 is more appropriate for exterior-facing attics or floors.
Can I put plywood over insulation in the attic? Yes you can install plywood subflooring directly over the floor joists and insulation on your floor. You need to install rigid insulation boards on top of the attic flooring joists and then install plywood over the top.
Insulation is graded by its R-value—the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. If you live in a mild climate, your attic should have a minimum grade of R-38, or about 13–14 inches of insulation. If you live in a colder climate, R-49 is the minimum recommendation, or about 16–18 inches of insulation.
Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install. Fiberglass batt is also incredibly energy efficient, as it helps to slow the spread of hot and cold air.