This Is the Best Type Of Insulation for Your Attic
Insulation is a crucial part of any building’s construction. It improves indoor comfort, boosts energy efficiency, and provides sound dampening. If your home is under-insulated, you might have trouble keeping every room comfortable, pay more than necessary for heating and cooling, and resent your noisy neighborhood.
The easiest place to add insulation to an existing home is the attic. Whether the space is finished or unfinished, Northern Virginia homeowners can benefit greatly from retrofitting or reinsulating their attic insulation. But which type of insulation is best?
Benefits of Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation
Available in various sizes and thicknesses, fiberglass insulation can fit attics, walls, garages, and crawl spaces. Blown-in fiberglass is the most effective option for filling hard-to-reach spaces, edges, corners, and framing barriers.
Benefits of blown-in fiberglass include:
- Energy efficiency
- Affordability
- Fire resistance
- Easy installation
- Noise reduction
- Eco-friendliness
Blown-In Fiberglass Compared to Similar Insulation Materials
The best choice for many Northern Virginia homes is blown-in insulation, also known as loose-fill. Your installer will blow chunks of fiberglass into place using a fire hose-like device.
Blown-in fiberglass is the best way to maximize energy efficiency as it fills every nook and cranny and covers the attic floor joists to prevent heat from passing through the wood.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is a type of insulation that slows the transfer of heat, air, and moisture. It sticks to the surface where it’s applied, expanding and hardening into a permanent installation.
Spray foam could be a viable option if your attic serves as a living space or your ductwork runs through the attic. Otherwise, the cost of spray foam, which is 3 to 4 times higher than fiberglass, may not be worth it.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass batts are made of the same material as blown-in fiberglass but in pre-cut, flat pieces. It is the default insulation option in many attics but is only effective if the spaces they fill are rectangles of standard dimensions.
Failure to fill the cavity completely results in less effective insulation, energy waste, and higher utility bills.
How Much Insulation Does Your Attic Need?
Having some insulation is better than none, but many Northern Virginia homes are under-insulated. Peek through the attic hatch and assess your insulation levels. If you measure only 3 to 4 inches of insulation or see the floor joists poking through, it’s time to reinsulate.
Attic Insulation R-Values
R-values measure a material’s ability to slow heat transfer, with higher ratings indicating greater effectiveness. The R-value recommended for attics in Northern Virginia is R-38 to R-60.
Blown-in fiberglass insulation offers about R-2.5 per inch, depending on the brand and product installed. You’ll need about 15 to 24 inches of attic insulation to maximize the benefits.
Choose Beyond Exteriors for Attic Insulation Installation in Northern Virginia
The team at Beyond Exteriors can expertly insulate your attic with formaldehyde-free blown-in fiberglass insulation.
When you choose us to insulate your attic, you’ll work with professional, experienced installers. Rest assured that we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else, with free, upfront estimates and transparent communication to ensure we meet your needs.
When we’re finished, you’ll reap the benefits of improved home comfort, lower energy bills, and a quieter interior.
To request a free attic insulation estimate, call (703) 830-0863 or contact Beyond Exteriors online today. We have proudly served Northern Virginia homeowners since 2010.
