What Type of Insulation Is Right for My Attic?

Attic insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and offers many other benefits. However, attics are unique and require special consideration. There are several options for insulating your attic, and if you want to enjoy their benefits, it is important to choose the right one. Here are four options for attic insulation in Fargo, ND, including information about what will likely work best:

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass batts are the easiest insulation to install. Basically, you pick them up from your local hardware store and roll them out, and voila: insulated attic! Or so it seems. However, it does not have the R-value to properly insulate an attic, and since people perceive it as being an easy project, most DIY installation attempts barely pass home inspections, if they are not downright ugly. Insulation is one of those areas where easy is not necessarily the best, and this is especially true when insulating an attic.
• Cellulose: Made from recycled paper with boric acid, cellulose appears to be an environmentally friendly option with an extra bonus: it offers additional insect control and fire resistance. It is also available in the home DIY market, and many stores allow customers to rent a blower for free if they buy enough of it. However, people usually buy as little as possible and attempt to spread it around, which does not work. They might also breathe in the dust, which can be dangerous for those who suffer from asthma or allergies. It works better than fiberglass once installed, but it must be installed well. Professionals usually use a wet-spray cellulose which controls dust and increases the insulation value. This is not available in the DIY market, and it is not a matter of just adding water. Too much will make installation impossible and too little yields no benefit.
• Loose fill fiberglass: This is similar to fiberglass batts, except it is applied with a blower. There is no option to buy bags and spread it around without a blower, so you need to rent an extra piece of equipment. Loose fill fiberglass also contributes to skin irritation and breathing issues, so it is definitely dangerous if you suffer from asthma. Even if you don’t, it is recommended that you use a respirator, which is yet another piece of equipment to buy if you decide to make this a DIY project.
• Spray foam: This is likely the best type of insulation for your attic. The R values are high enough for the challenges posed by attics, and if you have it installed professionally, it will fill all the nooks and offer an even air barrier. it also includes a moisture barrier which prevents mold growth, which is a common problem in attics. Spray foam is frequently expensive, and it is best installed by a skilled contractor to reduce waste and increase its effectiveness. However, it will also last, and you will likely not have to consider attic insulation again for a long time.

Interstate Insulation recommends RetroFoam for attic insulation in Fargo, ND. For a quote and to learn more about its benefits, please call us today!

Categorised in: Attic Insulation

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