What Type of Insulation Is Best for Your Attic?

If your monthly energy costs have been skyrocketing, you’re probably recognizing that your home’s attic insulation isn’t doing the job it’s supposed to. As a result of this realization, you’re also probably being confronted with the many different types of attic insulation that are available. The industry has come a long way in recent years, and there are a variety of products on the market being touted as “the best” for your home. So how do you filter through all the feedback?

Insulation Options

When determining the best insulation for your home’s attic, you need to take two factors into account: The material and the installation method. By evaluating your options, you will be able to select a product that best meets your needs and fits into your budget.

Insulation Materials

Here’s an overview of some of the most frequently used attic insulation materials:

• Fiberglass – Fiberglass is the most popular option because it’s relatively inexpensive, readily available, resistant to moisture, and fire resistant. Additionally, its R value can go as high as 4.3.
• Cellulose – Made from wood or recycled paper, cellulose insulation is touted as being better for the environment, but it has its drawbacks. It tends to settle and absorb moisture, and it needs to be treated with fire-retardant chemicals because it’s highly flammable.
• Mineral wool – Made from melted stone or recycled steel slag, mineral wool is gaining in popularity in the U.S. It offers unmatched moisture and fire resistance, though it can be dangerous if inhaled during installation.
• Cotton or denim – Cotton insulation, made from recycled blue jeans, is safe and energy efficient. However, its cost can be prohibitive.
• Foam – Foam insulation offers unmatched thermal performance, but due to its high cost, it’s usually only used for commercial properties.

Insulation Installation Methods

There are several different ways that insulation can be installed in an attic:

• Batts – Fiberglass and mineral wool insulation traditionally come in rolled-up sheets of interwoven fibers with paper or reflective foil backing.
• Blown-in – Fiberglass, cellulose, cotton, and mineral wool insulation can be blown into an attic using a hose that spreads tiny chunks into the tightest nooks and crannies. Fiberglass is far and away the most common type of blown-in insulation.
• Spray – Foam insulation is sprayed onto walls and expands to fill all air gaps before drying.

The Perfect Attic System

For homeowners in San Antonio and throughout South Central Texas, Texas Pro Insulators offers a solution for your home energy efficiency concerns: The Perfect Attic System. We’ve been providing attic insulation solutions since 1996 and have developed a multi-component system that takes into account all of the factors that can affect your attic’s thermal performance. It includes:

• The use of expanding foam to seal any holes in your attic where air can escape
• The installation of reflective radiant barrier insulation in the attic roof and sidewalls to reflect heat out
• A thick layer of blown-in fiberglass insulation to provide total coverage for your attic
• The installation of any needed ridge vents or solar attic ventilation fans
• A programmable thermostat to help manage your energy usage

Contact Us to Learn More

Put your attic insulation project in the hands of the experts who consistently exceed the expectations of homeowners throughout the San Antonio, TX, area. Contact Texas Pro Insulators today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.