What Type Of Insulation Is Best For Attic?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Fiberglass, cotton, and mineral wool

can all work as loose-fill material, but the far and away top choice for blown-in insulation is fiberglass. Contrary to batts, blown-in fiberglass insulation is perfect for filling in tight voids around wiring, pipes, or any area with awkward framing.

What is the best R value for attic insulation?

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to

R-38

or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

What is the most common attic insulation?

The most common types of attic insulation are

cellulose, fiberglass, and spray foam

. As you can see from the image above, there are some differences in the benefits these materials have to offer. Let’s take a a closer look at each material to see which will be best for your attic’s needs.

What is the most energy efficient attic insulation?

On average,

roll insulation

costs less than other types of insulation [source: U.S. Department of Energy]. Installing high R-value insulation in your attic will create a barrier to prevent the heat or cold from escaping, thus making your home more energy efficient.

Is R 19 insulation Good for attic?

Most homes only have R19 in attics. To give you an idea that’s only 5 1/2 inches of insulation. … So by adding another R19 “5 1/2 inches will give you an

R38

value. And that’s a good number to live with.

Is adding insulation to attic worth it?

According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating the

attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill

. … For many homeowners, insulating the attic is the most effective method to save on energy costs.

Can you lay insulation on top of old insulation?

According to ENERGY STAR®, you

can put new insulation over old insulation

, “unless it is wet. … The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.

How often should you replace insulation in attic?

How often should attic insulation be replaced? Attic insulation should last

upward of 80 years

when the conditions are right. Attic insulation may become damaged and need replacement as soon as 15 years after installation.

How much does it cost to insulate a 1500 sq ft attic?

Square Feet Price 1,500

$1,500 – $10,500

What are the disadvantages of spray foam insulation?

  • Spray foam insulation does not always fill every possible cavity. …
  • Spray foam insulation might encourage water damage for some homeowners. …
  • Spray foam insulation can sometimes shrink. …
  • Spray foam insulation requires a lot of experience to get it right.

How much does it cost to insulate a 1200 sq ft attic?

On average, most homeowners spend between $813 and $1492 or $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot to install attic insulation. Pricing depends on the size of your attic, the type of insulation material used, and labor rates. For example, blown-in insulation for an attic in a 1,200 square foot home costs

about $1,850

.

Is it possible to over insulate an attic?

Can you over insulate your attic? The answer

is yes

! Past a certain point, insulation in a vented attic will do more harm than good. In most of the United States, achieving an R-Value of 38 is more than sufficient.

How long does attic insulation last?

Unless damaged, it can last

80 to 100 years

in most houses before it needs to be replaced. However, insulation can start falling from fiberglass batts after 15 to 20 years, so if your insulation was installed in batts well over a decade ago, it might be time for an inspection or a home energy audit.

How much does it cost to insulate a 1000 sq ft attic?

The cost to insulate an attic with blown-in insulation runs from

$600 to $1,200

, assuming it is 1,000 square feet in size. If you choose to hire a professional, expect to pay from $40 to $70 an hour for labor in addition to the cost of materials.

Is R30 insulation better than R19?

Inside your home, the warmer air is higher pressure air, and wants to move, or transfer to lower pressure, cooler air outside. Insulation in your walls and ceilings slows down this heat transfer. … So

R19 is better insulation than R13

, and R30 is better than R19. The larger the R value, the better the insulation value.

How thick is R49 attic insulation?

R-Value Thickness Bags / 1000 Sq Ft R49

16.25”


22.6
R44 14.75” 20.1 R38 12.75” 16.8 R30 10.25” 13.0
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.