Cellulose is a great choice for attic projects, as it is much more economical than other materials. It does not use any greenhouse gases as a propellant and contains more recycled material than any other insulation available on the market. It can be a do-it-yourself attic insulation project. If your attic has had any leaks or moisture problems, it is possible that mold has grown in the area or affected the insulation.
If you don't have the skill level to properly install attic insulation, it may be best to hire a professional. To protect the attic from heat and cold, thick, tightly cut insulation pieces are placed between the gaps in the wooden frames or around pipes, cables and other obstacles. Structural Insulation Panels (SIPs) are not ideal for adding insulation to your current attic, but they can be used to better isolate the space while you're building if you're going to build an additional attic. Professionals are also well versed in insulating materials and can recommend what type of insulation will benefit your home the most.
Regardless of the insulation product you choose, make sure to find out what the R-value is recommended by the U. S. Department of Energy for your area. Fiberglass rolls or pads are not optimal for installation in an attic, compared to blown insulation.
When calculating the final cost, several elements are involved, apart from the size of the attic, such as the type of insulation and labor costs. Except in cases such as serious water damage or animal infestation, a professional would have to remove all existing insulation and add new insulating material. However, if you're looking for the cost of replacing insulation and you already have insulation in your home, SIPs may not be the best option. Unlike other insulation products that are installed on attic floors in hot and cold climates, radiant barriers are placed at the bottom of roof beams in hot climates, reducing heat gain and air conditioning use.
Different insulating materials have unique strengths and weaknesses, and some attics will be better suited to certain materials than others. The amount of insulation you need depends on the R value of the material and the R value determined by the climate you need for your attic. While the R-value indicates that “the higher the better”, it is important to remember that the insulating material with the highest R-value isn't necessarily the best attic insulation option for your home. Although less commonly installed in an attic, structural insulation panels are often more durable and energy efficient than other options.
When deciding which type of insulation is best for your home, it is important to consider all factors such as cost, energy efficiency, durability and installation difficulty.
