When it comes to insulating your home, knowing which kind of insulation to use is the key to lowering your energy bills and making your house more comfortable.

Today we’ll talk about the pros and cons of three common types of attic insulation to give you a better idea of what would work best for you.

With all three of these types, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified company before trying it yourself. Each type involves unique installation and maintenance challenges, which is why we recommend leaving it to the pros.

 

Fiberglass Batt

 

 

This is the stuff that most of us think of when we hear the word “insulation.” It is often bright pink, fairly cost-effective, and easy to install, which is why many people opt to do it themselves. However, it has one of the lowest R-values of all attic insulation, coming in somewhere between 2.2 and 3.2 per inch.

Fiberglass insulation is made by spinning molten glass into fibers while being coated with a liquid binder. Those fibers are then broken into smaller pieces and as they cool they fall onto a moving conveyor belt, forming the batt.

Another downside of fiberglass batts is that fiberglass can irritate your lungs and skin, so you have to be extremely careful during insulation. Make sure you wear proper protective equipment, including well-fitted eyewear, heavy-duty gloves, a dust mask or respirator, loose clothing (long-sleeved shirt and pants) and a hat to keep fiberglass particles out of your hair.

 

Pros	Cons
Inexpensive	Irritates skin and lungs
Easy to install	Low R-Value

 

Blown-In Cellulose

 

 

Also known as “loose-fill” insulation, cellulose insulation is made of 85% recycled paper goods (mostly newspaper). It is treated with borate which makes it fire and pest-resistant. Cellulose insulation is non-toxic, coming into contact with it will not irritate the skin and it’s safe to breathe.

Cellulose insulation also has a higher R-Value than fiberglass insulation, approximately 3.5 per square inch. Manufacturing cellulose insulation is also a relatively easy process compared to the more intensive processes of other types of insulation. Producing it takes up less space and less energy, and tends to be produced in regional factories, cutting down on transportation energy.

Because cellulose insulation is loose fill, it’s perfect for filling in cracks and crevices that other types of insulation wouldn’t be able to cover. The process to install it is also quick and safe, requiring minimal protective equipment, and there’s no need to leave the house during installation.

 

Pros	Cons
Affordable	Must be kept dry as it can absorb water
Environmentally-friendly	Shorter lifespan than some other types (20-30 years)
High R-Value
Resists fire and pests

 

Spray Foam

 

 

Spray foam is one of the longest-lasting types of insulation, but it’s also among the most expensive and difficult to install properly. It is made from two materials, polyurethane and isocyanate. When combined, the chemical reaction causes them to expand and harden.

There are two types of spray foam: open-cell, with an R-Value of 3.5, and closed-cell, which can get R-values up to 7, depending on the thickness and product quality.

Spray foam acts as an insulation material (closed-cell also acts as an air barrier, which makes it very effective for energy savings). It’s extremely important that the roof and attic be thoroughly inspected before installation, however, because once the spray foam is installed, any water leaks or moisture issues could get worse and be difficult to fix.

Installation requires a hazmat suit and most manufacturers recommend that homeowners leave the house until the product cures completely. The recommended time to let the spray foam insulation off-gas and cure is 12-48 hours

 

Pros	Cons
High R-Value	Expensive
Lasts a long time (80-100 years)	Not environmentally friendly

 

We hope this information is helpful to you as you make decisions about your home improvement projects. Here at Home Insulation ATX, we work exclusively with loose-fill cellulose insulation, as we believe that it’s uniquely suited to the climate and homeowners’ needs in Austin, Texas.

We offer a free insulation inspection to qualified homeowners, so check out our website to read more and find out if you’re eligible