Attic Insulation Over Blown In

Batt and roll insulation and loose fill sometimes known as blown in insulation.

Attic insulation over blown in.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. We offer our review of the three most popular types of attic insulation with a look at each one s pros and cons.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Click the button to calculate the depth in inches and pounds of total insulation required for this job. Loose fill blown in insulation is best for tight spaces or if your attic already has a layer of insulation. Most attics are insulated with blown in loose cellulose r 3 5 per inch blown in loose fiberglass r 2 5 per inch or fiberglass batts r 3 2 per inch.

Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder face. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. When adding additional insulation you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your. Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs.

Your options for attic insulation range from radiant barriers to sheets of mineral wool but most homeowners stick with products made from cellulose or fiberglass. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only.

Add the right kind of insulation. See install batt and roll insulation for details. Cellulose insulation has an average thermal value of r 3 7 so you d need just over five inches to equal an r 19 batt. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

A bag of cellulose runs about 11 50 and will cover 36 7 square feet at a. Blown in spray foam batts and blankets. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

Input length width and desired r value of the area to be insulated. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Batt and roll insulation works well between joist and stud spaces or if you have a wide open space or a crawlspace. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

There are two main types of insulation.