Old House Attic Insulation Types

Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material.

Old house attic insulation types.

If your home was built before 1990 chances are you have one of the old attic insulation types. Fiberglass batts cellulose loose fill fiberglass and spray foam. While this type is often still used older insulation may be discolored or torn and is therefore less effective. To keep the ventilation space clear above soffit vents special baffles need to be installed before the insulation goes in.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. First let s discuss the most common types of insulation available for attics. Older types of insulation include loose fill or batt fiberglass which can be pink yellow or white. This type of insulation.

The particles of the insulation have an accordion like texture. Asbestos free insulation materials contains our complete list. More options exist but these four materials make up the vast majority of installations in minnesota attics where i operate. Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers.

The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value. Some homeowners also take the time to build walkways and or storage platforms in the attic prior to installing insulation. Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. Fiberglass insulation fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install.

In most cases the best type of attic insulation will be blown fiberglass or blown cellulose insulation. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. If the insulation particles have a certain colour usually grey brown or silver gold. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

These non asbestos insulations include cellulosic insulations such as loose fill cellulose and balsam wool batts cotton insulation fiberglass insulation mineral wool insulation slag wool insulation and rock wool insulation. Article index to types of building insulation. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. If it is white however it may be a newer product.

It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. Here are some guidelines. The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam.