Attic Insulation Is Used To

Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.

Attic insulation is used to.

With closed cell foam 2 inches of thickness also serves as a moisture barrier. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Insulation level are specified by r value. Find a diagram of common air leaks here.

Loose fill blown in insulation is best for tight spaces or if your attic already has a layer of insulation. See install batt and roll insulation for details. There are two main types of insulation. But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous.

The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. Sheathing reduces heat conduction through structural elements like wood and steel studs. When air can t move through it you have zero heat transfer through convection. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation.

Facing is a thin layer of paper or plastic attached to one side of batting insulation which is sold in a roll. Batt and roll insulation works well between joist and stud spaces or if you have a wide open space or a crawlspace. Whether you choose faced or unfaced insulation for the attic depends on the. Polystyrene and polyurethane are the most common types of materials used in making foam board.

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. Gaps in the attic or between the lower floors and the attic will let heated or cooled air escape to the great unconditioned outdoors making any insulation you add essentially useless. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. When installed properly both types of insulation fill all of the nooks and crannies in a space and make for a perfect air barrier.

Rigid panels of insulation. Can be used to insulate almost any part of your home from the roof down to the foundation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary.

So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. Achieving greater r values in exterior walls in exterior walls add insulating sheathing to achieve a greater r value in your wall system.