How to Choose and Install Attic Insulation

The right insulation will help your home retain its temperature, reduce outside noise, and minimize energy waste. It will also help prevent pests such as rodents and insects from entering the house, which can pose health concerns for your family.

Before adding attic insulation, it is important to properly evaluate your existing insulation and inspect it for damage or compression. It’s also vital to determine your attic’s R-value, which is a measure of thermal resistance. Different climates require higher R-values, so you should consider the recommended R-value for your area.

Spray foam insulation is available in a variety of forms, so it’s important to choose the best type for your home and budget. A popular DIY choice is blanket insulation, which comes in blankets or sheets that can be affixed to attic spaces. It is a cost-effective option, but may lose its effectiveness if it becomes wet. It can also breed mold, which poses a health hazard.

Understanding R-Value and What It Means for Your Attic

A better choice is blown in cellulose insulation, which is made from recycled paper treated with fire retardants. It can be installed in walls, floors, and attics using a dry-pack or moist-spray process. This insulator offers a high R-value, fills gaps and cracks effectively, and is insect and critter resistant. However, it compacts more than fiberglass or rock wool blown insulation, reducing its R-value over time.

Lastly, spray foam is an effective attic insulation option, but it’s more expensive and requires professional installation. It is a liquid that expands into a foam when applied, and it is effective in sealing air leaks around vents, doors, and other openings. It can be used to cover or replace attic insulation, but it is most commonly used to seal the gap between joists.

Quality Insulation
304 Parker Ct SE, Leesburg, VA 20175, United States
540-532-5929