What insulation to use in attic

High R, Vapor and Radiant Barrier Ship same day. How do you add insulation to an attic? How much insulation do you need in your attic? What is the recommended insulation thickness for an attic?

Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest DIY insulation material. It works well for attic floors and walls and is an effective solution for helping stop heat transfer. Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic , walls, floors and crawlspaces.

These are large rolls of insulation that are easy to cut into usable shapes. This weight, however, makes it too heavy to use in attic installations, and it can settle over time, losing as much as of its effectiveness. Made of: Fibers from recycled post-consumer paper that are treated for insect and fire resistance. Insulation material options: Fiberglass. Wood joists allow air to move through the spaces, so they must be covered with insulation.

If you choose loose fill insulation, you’ll need to rent a machine to install it. R-Value is a measure of insulation ’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and locations in the home. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Free 2-day Shipping On Millions of Items. Rigid panels of insulation. Can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, from the roof down to the foundation. Polystyrene and polyurethane are the most common types of materials used in making foam board.

Sheathing reduces heat conduction through structural elements like wood and steel. It is very lightweight, which makes it perfect for attic applications above ½-inch drywall ceiling with framing every inches. Installing a Vapor Barrier. Batts-and-blankets insulation often comes with a vapor-retardant facing, and some varieties.

Air migrates from warmer spaces toward colder spaces, and insulation is designed to help prevent or at least slow that migration. The installer, taking his best firefighter pose, holds a large hose and blows the chunks into the attic. A large machine outside churns the chunks and uses air to blow them up through the hose. The two main choices here are fiberglass and cellulose, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for DIYers.

Blown in cellulose has a higher R-rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper, so it’s easier on your skin and lungs. In cool climates, energy-efficient insulation is usually a better solution than a radiant barrier. Seal cracks to minimize air leaks in your attic. Lay the batts across the ceiling joists, covering the existing insulation.

Continue laying down the insulation , making sure the batts are pressed tightly together at all edge and end joints. At the perimeter of the attic , lay the insulation up to the roof rafters, but keep it away from plywood roof sheathing. Inspecting your attic insulation. Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it, and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live.

Foam boards insulate while providing a partial vapor barrier. Seal rigid foam panels between foundation joists using spray foam. Specialty: Pipe insulation , duct insulation and water heater jackets.

Around objects that store or distribute hot water and indoor air.