For every homeowner, attic insulation needs to be a top priority. The correct type of insulation can control the temperature in your house. It maintains warmth in winter and coolness in summer. It can even cut as much as 50% off your energy bill! Not to mention, it’ll keep you feeling comfortable and reduce dust and other airborne allergens.

When repairing insulation in your home, you have plenty of options. Figuring out the right one for your property isn’t always obvious, though.

Today, we’ll discuss the positives and negatives of the main types and even touch on some less popular options. We’ll help you decide on the best attic insulation for your own unique needs or figure out if you’d rather work with a professional.

What to Consider When Choosing Insulation for Your Home

Before you start the attic insulation process, thoroughly inspect the condition of your attic. All wooden structures should be robust with no holes or cracks, and check for any damp spots. Also, confirm that the entire attic is well-sealed and fix any holes or leakages. If there is a lot of debris or damage, you may want to reach out for professional attic restoration and cleaning.

Afterward, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the best attic insulation for your home:

R-value

R-values are arguably the most critical factor in selecting attic insulation. The R-value shows how well the insulating material resists heat. Most homes in California generally fall within the R-49 to R-60, with colder climates possibly requiring more than R-60.

Available Space

This is a key element that some people disregard. While most types of attic insulation are flexible enough to fit any space, some require a specific amount of space for installation. Also, different kinds of insulation serve different purposes, with some materials ideal for filling tight spaces, others excellent for repair, and others better for large attics without insulation.

Price

Budget matters! Make sure to account for material costs as well as installation service when budgeting for this service. Insulating your house correctly is well worth the money, so don’t skimp – you’ll save in the long run with reduced energy bills.

Main Attic Insulation Types

These are the main types of attic insulation you’ll want to consider:

Spray Foam Attic Insulation

The best of the bunch in most cases is spray foam insulation It comes in two options. First, there’s closed-cell spray foam insulation with an incredible R-value. Then, there’s spray foam that keeps the attic dry while also sealing out noise.

Unfortunately, spray foam attic insulation hardens so you can’t remove it once applied. Also, it’s pretty pricy, but it can save you a lot on your energy bill as it requires no maintenance.

Fiberglass Attic Insulation – Batt

However, when it comes to popularity, fiberglass is the winner, with multiple available forms. The most common ones are simple fiberglass batts. All you need to do is roll them out, which is easy to do yourself. They cover a lot of space, which makes them ideal for spacious attics with little prior insulation.

However, fiberglass batts are not the best for small attics with low ceilings or many obstacles. Not to mention that small spaces don’t allow for the necessary movement required to unfold the batts.

Fiberglass Attic Insulation – Loose-Fill

This is another common insulation type. Loose-fill fiberglass attic insulation comes in chunks so you’ll need special equipment to install it effectively. That said, it’s ideal for smaller attics. It also works well if you have tight spaces in your attic that still need to be insulated.

We do like that loose-fill fiberglass has a decent R-value (about 2.5-3.5 per square inch). Also, attic-blown insulation has good moisture resistance, is not flammable, and is one of the cheapest options.

Cellulose Attic Insulation

Like fiberglass, cellulose offers another attic-blown insulation option. It can fill up tight spaces neatly and is very cost-effective. It R-value goes as high as 3.8 per square inch, which is considerable.

However, cellulose absorbs and retains water easily, so it’s very susceptible to mildew and mold. Also, despite what cellulose manufacturers have marketed for years, cellulose doesn’t do much in terms of insect or rodent activity, so it’s a poor choice if you’ve had infestations in the past.

Less Common Types of Insulation

There are a few insulation materials that aren’t quite as popular, but they’re still worth knowing about.

• Radiant barrier: This is a thermal type of insulation. It reflects heat instead of absorbing it, so it’s ideal in hot climates, but must be paired with other insulation types.
• Mineral wool: Similar to fiberglass but with a higher R-value. Mineral can be irritating to the lungs or the skin, which is a reason to skip it.
• Rigid foam panels: These panels can be used for additional insulation in small spaces and can easily be cut into any shape necessary.
• Denim insulation: Denim insulation is made of old, used jeans and is very environmentally friendly yet expensive.

Leave It To the Pros

If you’re a fan of doing home repairs, you can probably purchase and replace your own attic insulation easily. If it’s not a part of your wheelhouse, though, or if your attic presents a more complicated situation, consider calling professionals!

We’re happy to offer attic insulation services to anyone in LA and the surrounding area. We’ll come out to inspect your attic, recommend the best attic types of attic insulation for your home, and give you a free estimate for the costs. Instead of having to decide for yourself, you’ll know that your attic is in the hands of experts.