Which Type of Insulation Is Best For Your Attic?
Emily
Attic insulation is one feature that can keep your home comfortable. During the hot Florida summer, it can prevent the heat of the blazing sun from penetrating your home and stop cold air from seeping out. So, whether building new homes or reinsulating remodeling projects, it’s important to get the best insulation for attic spaces. Read on to learn about some of the different types of material for residential insulation to figure out which one is right for your home.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is probably the most popular type of attic insulation. But its immense popularity doesn’t necessarily mean it’s highly effective for insulation. Fiberglass has one of the lowest insulation ratings out there for attic material. However, it’s very accessible, affordable, and easy to install. So, people can just buy some batts from a local store and put them up or roll them out.
One should also note that despite not being a superb insulating material, it still has a few redeeming qualities. Fiberglass attic insulation doesn’t shrink over time and can’t be eaten by bugs. It’s also fire- and moisture-resistant, which is great for a hot and humid climate. So, if you want affordable and durable insulation, fiberglass is the way to go.
Cellulose
This is a good plant-based material that is effective for attic insulation. It’s made from recycled paper or wood, so it definitely has more environmentally friendly components than other options. The cost of the material is also quite comparable to Fiberglass, so it’s good for homeowners on a budget.
However, cellulose fibers on their own are flammable. They have to be sprayed down with boric acid and other flame-retardant chemicals to make them more fire-resistant. They also quickly absorb a lot of moisture when exposed to any liquid, which ruins their insulative properties. Be sure to plug up any leaks in the attic area before you have this material installed.
Spray Foam
When it comes to high insulation ratings, spray foam is the best option among common materials. Its closed-cell variant has almost double the insulative properties of most of its competitors. When it’s installed properly, it also seals off all the little holes in your attic. This prevents any air from seeping in and out of your home and helps maintain the internal temperature. It also doesn’t absorb water, so your insulation is safe from mold and mildew.
The downside is that spray foam is one of the more expensive insulation materials. You also need the help of a professional contractor during installation, as it’s difficult to work with and gives off toxic fumes when it hasn’t cured yet.
Get in Touch With Us!
Let A Plus Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in Gainesville help you install the best insulation for attic spaces. Our experienced contractors can work with any material and make sure that it is fitted properly and securely.