Best DIY Attic Insulation Guide – How to insulate an attic

Fiberglass batts doesn’t attract moisture. Making your house safe from mold, mildew, and other moisture-related nuisances.

Sand, fiberglass, and the recycled materials used for these batts are non-combustible. It does not matter how hot it gets; these things will never light up.

Among all the other options, fiberglass batts are the easiest to install. Get an appropriate measurement, fit them on the spaces, and that’s it. No extra effort and fancy tools are required.

Fiberglass batts tend to be less effective compared with other insulation types. Many professionals do not recommend fiberglass batts. People often resort to these things because of the ease of installation.

If you are considering fiberglass batts, buy a lot. If you don’t use enough, you won’t get the right amount of insulation—kind of a pain in the wallet.

Mineral wool batts are ideal for every home because of this trait. No matter how hard you try to burn it, it will never ignite. The texture and look will naturally change, though.

Volcanic rock, blast furnace slag, and coke are unfriendly substances. They are quite dangerous (possibly cancerous) for our bodies. If you are installing this insulation type, make sure to wear protective gear. Avoid inhaling it as much as possible to avoid complications.

Denim batts are the most environmentally friendly option out there. They are composed of recycled jeans, avoiding the risk of physical ailments.

This type of attic insulation is more delicate than the others since it is made of cotton/denim. You won’t encounter problems in the installation process. You can easily fit them in tight spaces such as joist bays and ceilings.

Much like other batts, denim insulation is easy to shape. You can use any working knife to cut these. That also makes them ideal for insulating new houses.

Because of their materials, denim batts are usually costly. This is one of the reasons why homeowners consider other options. If you really want this insulation in your attic, you need to save up.

Denim batts are more dusty compared with the other materials. If you are planning to use these, make sure to wear protective gear. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

You can spray them on until the attic bays are filled with insulation. Wear masks when you are doing this. Cellulose tends to be a dusty work buddy.

Cellulose is primarily made of shredded newspaper, making it cheaper. If you are planning to keep a tight budget, this is an ideal choice.

Most professionals blow in cellulose first before stuffing the bays with batts. They are useful as base insulation, especially in tight corners. If you want better results, you could consider this process.

The compression of blown-in cellulose tends to be heavy for some attics. Before using these, make sure to get your house inspected first. It would also help if you’d let professionals handle the insulation themselves.

As mentioned before, cellulose is made of shredded newspaper. Naturally, it is vulnerable to moisture. When using these, you should place moisture barriers first to help prevent moisture from seeping into the insulation.

Any type of blown-in insulation is right for tight spaces. Of course, that means loose-fill fiberglass is no different. If you have small joist bays and walls, you can easily use this.

Loose-fill fiberglass may be the most affordable insulation you will find. That is because it is easy to manufacture and manipulate. You can buy it in packages, making it cost-effective.

This type of insulation has the same materials as its batt version. If you avoid certain things for fiberglass batts, apply those to the loose-filled type.

Rigid foam boards are durable to withstand moisture and heat. This makes them reliable options for insulation. Aside from that, they are installed within the walls. That placement alone improves the strength of your house.

Shaping these things is not that hard either. You can use a table saw for the bigger portions of rigid foam. For the smaller cuts, you can use utility knives. Make sure to use tapes when installing them so the air won’t seep in.

Since foam boards are installed within the walls, you can be sure of their effectiveness. They will hold the temperature without compromising your home’s appearance.

Because of their material and construction, foam boards are quite expensive. Making it the least favorite option for attic insulation. If you are getting these, be prepared to burn some real cash.

The biggest downside of rigid foam insulation is the installation process. You cannot install foam boards on a finished house. To do that, you will have to tear down the walls first and then rebuild. That’s why these are applied during house construction.

SIPs are manufactured in an airtight manner. This means that you’ll have noise reduction when you place them on your walls. This is useful if you’re living in a lively neighborhood.

SIPs are effective because of their compressed manufacturing. This ensures that the air is sealed within the attic. By having these within your walls, your attic will have increased R-Value.

Most professionals prefer this type of attic insulation. The reason for that is because of their stable build. That is also probably why they are hard to install. SIPs are quite heavy, and they are sometimes bulky.

SIPs are pricey because of their high-grade materials and manufacturing. Have a moderate budget if you are planning to use these.

Like rigid foams, SIPs are also installed during the construction process.

Radiant barriers are probably the most affordable insulation you will find. They are thin yet useful. Besides, their purpose is to reflect heat away from the house. That is easier to achieve rather than sealing heat.

Radiant barriers insulation is also the most efficient. Especially suitable for hot, humid weather.

ou will definitely get your money’s worth with radiant barriers. They are inexpensive and practical.

One of the downsides of radiant barriers is their vulnerability to dust/dirt. Attracting dirt compromises their effectiveness. Resulting in faster depreciation.

Radiant barriers are effective when reflecting heat away from the house. For conductive heat within, not so much. That’s why you’ll need thermal insulation inside your home as well.

Spray foam insulation hardens over time, sealing any air hole in place. That is the main reason why this is considered as the best insulation.

Unlike cellulose, spray foam is 100% impervious to moisture. It will never get wet, and it will stay that way.

It also has decent soundproofing properties. If you are living in an industrial or college area, it can help you deal with the noise.

Another good thing about the spray foam is durability. Aside from being an insulator, it can provide support to your house structure.

One of the most significant downsides of spray foam is its non remove ability. It’s not a temporary solution at all.

Spray foam is the most costly insulation type out there. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, you may want to skip this one.