Old House Attic Insulation Types

To keep the ventilation space clear above soffit vents special baffles need to be installed before the insulation goes in.

Old house attic insulation types.

The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam. In most cases the best type of attic insulation will be blown fiberglass or blown cellulose insulation. More options exist but these four materials make up the vast majority of installations in minnesota attics where i operate. Article index to types of building insulation.

Some homeowners also take the time to build walkways and or storage platforms in the attic prior to installing insulation. If your home was built before 1990 chances are you have one of the old attic insulation types. Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers. If it is white however it may be a newer product.

If the insulation is wool like and gray it may be loose fill rockwool. Older types of insulation include loose fill or batt fiberglass which can be pink yellow or white. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. In most climates it needs a vapor barrier.

Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. 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. While this type is often still used older insulation may be discolored or torn and is therefore less effective. If the insulation lays flat.

Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material. The particles of the insulation have an accordion like texture. Here are some guidelines. Fiberglass batts cellulose loose fill fiberglass and spray foam.

The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

If the insulation particles have a certain colour usually grey brown or silver gold. This type of insulation. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers.