Your options for attic insulation range from radiant barriers to sheets of mineral wool but most homeowners stick with products made from cellulose or fiberglass.
Attic insulation blown in.
If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form whether it s fiberglass cellulose or another material you generally don t have to be concerned about asbestos.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs.
Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts.
The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
Batt and roll insulation works well between joist and stud spaces or if you have a wide open space or a crawlspace.
Bag of all borate insulation is ideal for professional contractors that offer blow in attic sidewall and floor applications.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course.
The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.
There are other materials and systems that you can use to insulate your attic.
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.
Contractor grade 30 lb.
Loose fill blown in insulation is best for tight spaces or if your attic already has a layer of insulation.
Blown in spray foam batts and blankets.
Bag of all borate contractor grade 30 lb.
Greenfiber cellulose insulation fills gaps and voids to create an energy saving thermal blanket that can lower heating and cooling costs by 25 and reduce sound power by 60.
Click the button to calculate the depth in inches and pounds of total insulation required for this job.
See install batt and roll insulation for details.
Input length width and desired r value of the area to be insulated.
This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only.
Batt and roll insulation and loose fill sometimes known as blown in insulation.
There are two main types of insulation.
It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass.
First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.
Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.
Handy homeowners can install blown in insulation in the attic.