Ceiling batts are a thicker type of batt in comparison to the wall type and are more rigid as they require much thicker and longer traits in order to fit plush in large spaced ceilings. Wall insulation batts on the other hand need to be slightly compressed to fit in wall studs to ensure no gaps.
2. Roofs are generally easier to insulate than walls. The standards in the IRC are designed with a lot of regard for practicality. When you're doing insulation it's pretty much the same cost to fill to the thickness of the framing. Framing in walls is rarely more than 6'' and in roofs it's usually at least 10``.
Insulation products are designed specifically for each area to ensure they fit the required stud spacing, cavity depth and thermal ratings (R-values). Although two products may be made from the same materials, it may not be ideal to use them exchangeably throughout the home.
Given the distinct layouts of attics and walls, you'll likely need different types of insulation to properly insulate these two spaces. This is because walls are largely uniform in terms of the spacing between studs while attics may feature irregular spacing or obstacles between joists.
Most climates require a vapor barrier to cover ceiling insulation, but not all insulation requires a vapor barrier. It's always important to refer to your state's building codes.
Along with ceiling insulation, wall insulation is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency in your home. Whether you're building a new home or retrofitting an old house, proper insulation could cut your energy costs by up to 45%. Depending on the size of your home, your investment could pay off in 3-5 years.
Still, certified attic specialists may also use them during a major remodeling project. In open-cell spray foam installations, the typical R-value ranges from 3.5 to 3.6; in closed-cell spray foam installations, the average ranges from 6.0 to 6.5.
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).
Loft Insulation vs Wall Insulation
Home Structure: Cavity wall insulation is only suitable for homes with cavity walls. If your home has solid walls, external wall insulation may be the better choice. Coverage: Loft insulation is effective for reducing heat loss through the roof but doesn't address wall insulation.
Ceiling insulation usually refers to insulation that is installed between the ceiling rafters. Roof insulation means insulation that is installed under the roof materials.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers.
Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install.
Vacuum insulated panels have the highest R-value, approximately R-45 (in U.S. units) per inch; aerogel has the next highest R-value (about R-10 to R-30 per inch), followed by polyurethane (PUR) and phenolic foam insulations with R-7 per inch.
But it's not the only important player that helps keep you comfortable throughout the changing seasons. In addition to having proper roofing insulation, your attic space must also have an effective roof ventilation system that maintains a flow of ambient air throughout.
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.
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.
You will want to bring up your attic up to 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.
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.
You can use faced or unfaced batting when installing between the roof rafters of finished attic spaces. When using paper or plastic batting insulation, that moisture barrier should face outward toward the attic space. Even if the attic space is unheated, it's typically warmer than the outside air in winter.
For new builds or if you are renovating, you may be asking yourself if you should insulate your ceiling or walls first. The best answer is both. Insulation is a once-only cost that makes your house more comfortable for it's entire lifespan, without another cent having to be spent.
Blown-in insulation offers several advantages over other types of insulation. It is highly efficient and can significantly reduce energy bills. Additionally, because the insulation can be blown into difficult-to-reach spaces, it can provide more comprehensive coverage than other types of insulation.
Choose fiberglass, mineral wool, or foam insulation for your exterior walls: Fiberglass insulation: Fiberglass insulation is made from thin glass fibers. It's the most commonly used exterior insulation since it is inexpensive and energy-efficient.