Best Attic Insulation – What Are the Best Options?Which is the best attic insulation to install? The answer to that question really depends on the type of home that you have, the type of attic space you are dealing with and the climate that you live in.
If you are dealing with an empty attic space that has no floor and is not actually being used as a functional space for storage or any other purposes, then the easiest and probably the least expensive option would be loose insulation. Many homeowners feel that loose insulation is the best attic insulation for a few reasons, cost being one of them. Loose insulation is also an environmentally friendly product because it is essentially made from recycled newspaper. That means that you will have no concerns about toxic gases being released from foams and inhaling microscopic fibers from fiberglass insulation. Loose insulation does have to be professionally installed, but because the process is so simple and fast, the installation fee is usually quite small. It is simply blown into the attic space through a large hose that is attached to a machine. The loose cellulose particles settle into all spaces of the attic, even the tiniest corners, creating a nice cozy warm blanket throughout the entire space. For the do-it-yourself enthusiast, the best attic insulation is probably the batts of fiberglass insulation that are commonly seen in the walls and floors of most homes. Fiberglass or rockwool batts can be bought at any home supply store and can be installed by the homeowner without too much trouble. The batts are sized to fit spaces according to standard building codes, but they can be easily cut to to fit any size of space. Batt insulation generally comes in two types of materials; pink, yellow or white fiberglass and pale green colored rockwool. The difference between the two materials is that rockwool insulation is somewhat healthier and more pleasant to work with. It is softer and doesn’t put nasty particles into the air like fiberglass does. Fiberglass insulation can actually cause lung damage if handled without wearing a dust mask. It has a tendency to shed microscopic fibers into the air when disturbed. These tiny bits of fiberglass are actually quite sharp and can be easily inhaled, causing injury to the lungs. They can also irritate the eyes and skin, so it is a good idea to wear eye protection, long sleeves and gloves when handling it, in addition to respiratory protection. For many people, rockwool batting is the best attic insulation even though it costs a little bit more because is is much more pleasant to work with. Spray foam is another form of insulation that may be used, but it may not always be suitable for attics. Typically used in commercial applications, spray foam is a liquid product that is usually sprayed into the empty spaces through small openings. It expands as it sets, filling all the gaps with a solid foam barrier. To read more about related subjects, please follow these links:
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