Insulation keeps the air you pay to heat or cool in your house where it should be and keeps Mother Nature out, but choosing the right insulation material is a big decision. It impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of your home and the environment, and there are a lot of variables to consider including R-Value, cost, and installation.

Selecting the Right Material for Your Attic Insulation

Fiberglass insulation, made of molten glass spun or blown into fibers that trap air and slow conduction, is the most common choice and accounts for about 70 percent of the market. It’s inexpensive and versatile, available in blanket (also called batts) or loose-fill forms. It can be installed by hand or with a machine rentable from home improvement stores, and it can conform to oddly-shaped spaces or hard-to-reach wall cavities. It’s also often treated with the mineral borate to improve fire resistance. Cons: It can irritate the skin, lungs and eyes, and it’s more permeable to moisture than spray foam insulation, so effective sealing is critical. It’s also prone to settling over time, which can lower its R-Value.

There are other, more eco-friendly options, such as rock wool and slag wool. They’re made of a mix of natural and synthetic textiles, and they can offer a high R-Value and good fire resistance for a reasonable price. They’re usually woven into sheets or blankets for easy installation, but they can be cut to fit around pipes and other obstructions. You’ll need to install an approved vapor barrier after they’re installed.

CEC Spray Foam
203 Cole Dr, Hampstead, NC 28443
‭(910) 833-4521‬