The Safest and Most Effective Insulation For Our Attic Crawl Space?
- Soy-based spray foam products There are also fairly new soy-based foam products that can be sprayed on walls or in attics between ceiling joists. ...
- Fiberglass We avoid fiberglass because of formaldehyde issues and general itchiness, and also because it is difficult to install correctly. ...
- Cotton batts ...
- Cellulose ...
Which attic insulation is best?
- For unfinished attics, spray foam insulation can easily seal any of the small voids that are not very clear. ...
- R-value is a very important aspect of insulation. ...
- Durability ensures that spray foam insulation can last for at least 10 years. ...
What type of insulation is best for your attic?
Types of Attic Insulation
- Blanket Insulation. There are three types of blanket insulation. They are fiberglass batts, fiberglass rolls, and mineral wool.
- Loose-fill Insulation. Is loose-fill insulation good to install in your attic? Let’s explore the types of loose-fill insulation to find out.
- Spray Foam. Spray foam is the most unique of all the insulation materials out there. ...
What is the safest insulation for homes?
What is the safest home insulation? Cellulose. Mainly made from recycled newspaper, cellulose is arguably the granddaddy of green insulation. With an R-value similar to fiberglass (near 3.5 per inch), cellulose-—either blown or sprayed—features the same benefits as fiberglass without the cons such as formaldehyde and potentially harmful ...
How to beef up attic insulation?
Steps:
- Measure the depth of the existing blown-in insulation. If necessary, add more cellulose insulation.
- Dump cellulose insulation into each joist bay and spread it evenly with a leaf rake. Be sure the insulation is slightly above the top edge of the joists.
- Lay batts of un-faced, 9½-inch-thick fiberglass insulation perpendicularly across the joists.
What is the best insulation for an attic?
How thick is attic insulation?
Why are foam boards not as effective as blanket insulation?
What is foam board insulation made of?
Why do we insulate the attic?
Why is radiant foil used in insulation?
How thick is a blanket of fiberglass insulation?
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What insulation is least toxic?
This is made from recycled paper products that are treated with chemicals to make them less flammable. Again, the off-gassing here can be a big problem. There are other types of insulation, but these are the most common. The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
What type of attic insulation is best?
FiberglassFiberglass, cotton, and mineral wool can all work as loose-fill insulation material, but the far and away top choice for blown-in insulation is fiberglass. Contrary to batts insulation, blown-in fiberglass insulation is perfect for filling in tight voids around wiring, pipes, or any area with awkward framing.
What is the safest ceiling insulation?
Polyester Insulation Polyester is more expensive than glasswool and is seen by some as a premium product because of its hypoallergenic properties. Since it contains no breathable fibres, it is safe for use in homes with asthma and dust allergies.
What is the least toxic spray foam insulation?
Icynene® is a non-toxic spray foam. It doesn't contain formaldehyde, HCFC, CFC or HFA so it produces no toxic emissions. And, unlike polyurethane foams, Icynene® foam cells are only filled with air.
How often should attic insulation be replaced?
The typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years, with degradation beginning as early as 15 years after installation. As with other types of insulation, severe weather or outside interference can reduce the lifespan.
Which is better attic insulation cellulose or fiberglass?
At 3.5 per inch of material, the R-value of blown-in cellulose is 23% better per inch than fiberglass batts! According to research done at the Oak Ridge National Lab, fiberglass loses up to 50% of its R-value in very cold conditions; making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.
What is the safest insulation material?
Compared to fiberglass insulation, any of the above options would be safer than insulating your home with tiny glass shards dipped in formaldehyde. However, the safest option of all is cellulose.
Is 3M Thinsulate toxic?
Thinsulate is hydrophobic which means it doesn't absorb moisture and it repels it. It's also non-toxic and easy to install. Most people install Thinsulate with 3M 90 spray adhesive, but, like many things these days it's in short supply and hard to find (this post was written in mid-2021).
Is all fiberglass insulation formaldehyde free?
For more than 60 years, fiber glass insulation has been manufactured with a binder that contains formaldehyde. It's been used throughout the world as a safe and effective insulation material.
What is the downside to foam insulation?
On the downside, spray foam insulation comes at a price that is considerably more expensive than fiberglass. Often times, spray foam is triple the price of fiberglass and sometimes it can be more. Applying spray foam insulation is also something that is not advised to do by yourself unless it is a very small job.
Is there a non-toxic spray insulation?
Seal Spray Non-Toxic Low MDI Straw Foam (Case of 12/16.9oz Cans) for Sealing, Insulating, & Filling Gaps/Joints (Including Moving Joints)
What is the problem with spray foam insulation?
The poor application of spray foam insulation by an untrained or unlicensed contractor can lead to several problems, according to Fine Home Building. Poor application includes off-ratio spraying of the material, bad odors, and a lack of adhesion. A permanent odor can also be created when this happens.
Which is better attic insulation blown or rolled?
rolled insulation is a much more efficient process. Blown insulation does require a machine to be used, but a machine and some workers are easier to manage when you compare the rolled insulation process.
What is the most energy efficient attic insulation?
On average, roll insulation costs less than other types of insulation [source: U.S. Department of Energy]. Installing high R-value insulation in your attic will create a barrier to prevent the heat or cold from escaping, thus making your home more energy efficient.
Which is better blown-in or batt insulation?
Practical and durable: When comparing batt insulation vs. blown cellulose, keep in mind that batt insulation is a more effective thermal barrier. The thermal performance of loose fill insulation will not last for the life of the building. Most blown-in insulation materials will settle and lose R-value over time.
What R-value is best for attics?
Depending on where you live and the part of your home you're insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you'll need a different R-Value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.
What is the Best Attic Insulation? [2022 Buyer's Guide]
Our top pick for loose-fill fiberglass attic insulation is the Johns Manville Attic Protector Fiberglass Blown-in Insulation.It covers nearly 110 square feet per bag and delivers an R-value of R-19. It receives a gold certification from Greenguard, and it’s SCS-certified for home indoor air quality.
What is cellulose insulation?
Cellulose insulation is constructed of paper products. First, newspapers, magazines, and various grades of cardboard are shredded, crushed, pounded and milled. Next, the material is treated with borate pest control products and chemicals to make it flame retardant. However according to the book Principles of Home Inspection, cellulose is inclined to absorb water. The water tends to release allergens associated with the ink used on some of the printed paper included in its construction. Furthermore, the water also serves to dilute the potency of both the borates and the fireproofing chemicals. A study conducted by the California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation found that when testing cellulose insulation samples, the majority failed the fire safety test within a six month period following installation. It has also proven to cause respiratory problems to those with ink allergies.
Is polystyrene foam toxic?
Because many wires and centralized electrical connections are located in the attic, so fire must be deemed a major concern. When polystyrene foam is ignited, it burns quickly and produces a smoke that is highly toxic.
Is vermiculite good for insulation?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral. Because it was found to be inflammable, it was seen as a good insulation alternative. According to the EPA, most of the vermiculite used throughout the world came from a mine near Libby, Montana. It was discovered that the mine also contained natural deposits of asbestos. Subsequent testing of the vermiculite taken from that site revealed that it had been contaminated by the asbestos. The mine was forced to close in 1990, however vermiculite ore continues to be mined in other countries as well as three sites here in the United States. It still serves as insulation in many homes. Unfortunately, even vermiculite from the new mines is believed to contain small amounts of asbestos fibers. As with other forms of asbestos related insulation, the EPA recommends it not be disturbed. It is also important not to let children play in areas where this type of insulation is present.
Is fiberglass insulation safe?
But these attics are not pretty in in pink . Although fiberglass was believed to be an effective and safe alternative to asbestos, environmental investigations conducted during the 1990s became concerned when they realized it was manufactured with a formaldehyde binder. Today, many scientists are comparing the dangers of fiberglass insulation with those of asbestos.
Does Delaware Valley offer attic inspections?
Now that you are more informed about attic insulation products, you may want to have a professional take a look at your attic. Delaware Valley Home Eco-Tech (Attics And More) offers FREE attic inspections. Our inspectors are certified and highly professional. These are health, safety and energy driven inspections… NOT sales calls. They provide a great opportunity to get the facts about your insulation without costing you a dime. Why not call and see if there are any monsters hiding in your attic. 856-809-2744.
Is it important to insulate your attic?
Insulating your attic is important. Choosing a healthy insulation product is crucial. You may feel good about knowing your attic is insulated? But do you know the kind of insulation you have? If you don’t, you may have a silent monster invading your home and affecting the safety and health of your family. Let’s take a look:
Is zonolite insulation harmful?
This insulation, primarily used between the 1940s and 1990s, was found to be tainted with asbestos. As a result, it was proven to be harmful to residents. Unfortunately, Zonolite remains in many attics and homes throughout the United States. Because of the high levels of asbestos it contains it continues to pose major health dangers including, asbestosis and lung cancer.
What is the best insulation for an attic?
Many people consider fiberglass batt to be the best attic insulation. It consists of plastic reinforced by small glass fibers. The batt version comes in blanket form — i.e., small, pre-cut sections that you can lay down wherever you need to.
What is the most energy efficient insulation for an attic?
The most energy-efficient attic insulation will depend on the material’s R-value. From our experience, spray foam attic insulation tends to have high R-values. It’s dense and reaches the tightest nooks and crannies.
Why is my attic hot?
Inadequate insulation in your attic can cause uncomfortable temperature fluctuations throughout your home. You may notice that your upstairs area is warmer than your downstairs area, or one of your spare bedrooms is warmer than the kitchen area.
What is the best insulation for a fiberglass roll attic?
Our top pick for the best attic insulation for fiberglass roll is the Owens Corning EcoTouch. This product has advanced fiber technology that allows for quick, precise installs. It’s also shed-resistant, meaning it avoids some of the problems associated with traditional fiberglass materials.
How much does it cost to insulate an attic?
Some experts estimate that the cost varies between $1 and $7 per square foot. Most homeowners can expect to pay $1,500 on average, including materials and labor.
What are the pollutants in the attic?
Pollutants like mold, smoke, radon, and dirt linger in the air outside your home. If given the opportunity, they’ll find their way inside. But when you invest in the best attic insulation, you can prevent these pollutants from invading your attic and home. As a result, you’ll protect your family members from the adverse health effects of air pollutants, including respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue.
Why do some families only use their attics for storage?
Some families only use their attics for storage. The thought of spending time in the room above their house is a forbidden one because of the unbearable heat or cold.
What is the best insulation for an attic?
That answer depends on your definition of “best.”. The best performing way to insulate an attic doesn’t always align with the most cost-effective way. First, let’s discuss the most common types of insulation available for attics: fiberglass batts, cellulose, loose-fill fiberglass and spray foam. More options exist, but these four materials make up ...
What is the R value of cellulose insulation?
Cellulose provides an R-value of approximately 3.5 per inch.
Is closed cell foam insulation good for Minnesota?
With closed-cell foam, 2 inches of thickness also serves as a moisture barrier. Because of this and the higher R-value per inch, most foam insulation used in Minnesota is closed-cell. To tell the difference between the two, try poking it with your finger. You can easily poke a hole in open-cell foam, but not closed-cell foam.
Is cellulose insulation good?
If you check with the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association, they’ll assure you that cellulose is definitely your best choice for insulation.
Do fiberglass batts belong in the attic?
I won’t even discuss R-value, because fiberglass batts don’t belong in an attic.
Does fiberglass hurt your skin?
Older fiberglass is itchy and bothers your skin and lungs way more than the newer stuff.
Can you poke holes in foam?
You can easily poke a hole in open-cell foam, but not closed-cell foam. That stuff is way too hard. Here’s why spray foam can regulate your house temperature. The big downside to either type of spray-foam insulation lies in cost. It’s expensive stuff, and it shouldn’t be installed by a DIYer.
What is low clearance attic?
Low-clearance attics with limited headroom for maneuvering during installation
How to determine R value of insulation?
Grab a tape measure and a flashlight to see what kind of insulation you already have in the attic and how deep it is. Then use the numbers in the chart at right to estimate its R-value. Pull up and dispose of any material that's compressed, water stained, or moldy—it's useless.
How to cover gaps in a batt?
Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer, to cover any gaps in the lower layer. Adjoining batts should be butted snugly together, but not tight enough to compress them.
How much is fire block caulk?
Around pipes, wires, exhaust fans, and ducts: Gaps of ¼ inch or less can be sealed with fire-blocking caulk (3M Fire Block Sealant, $6.57 for 10.1 ounces; homedepot.com ); seal larger ones up to ½ inch with fire-blocking spray foam (Great Stuff Fireblock Insulating Foam Sealant, $16 for 16 ounces; amazon.com ).
What to wear to protect your eyes from fibers?
Wear a dust mask, goggles, work gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, and long pants to protect your lungs, eyes, and skin from fibers.
Where to put vapor barrier?
Whether using loose fill or batts, put the vapor barrier closest to the warm side of your installation, where hot, moist air would get in—facing the house's interior in cold climates (beneath floor insulation) and the attic's interior in hot climates (on top of floor insulation). Some regions don't require a vapor barrier.
Can insulation fibers be blown in place?
Insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special machinery you can rent from a home center. You can pour the fill in place and spread it manually, but the process is much more labor-intensive and the results won't be nearly as good.
Which insulation has the highest cost?
Regular readers will probably not be surprised to see cork up at the top of the list, but unfortunately it has the highest relative cost of any insulation.
What insulation is excluded from the report?
There are other insulations that have been excluded because of cost or limited availability, including foamed glass, mushrooms, polyester, Airkrete and sheep's wool. Given that the report is directed toward retrofits of multifamily housing, this probably makes sense. But it would be nice to know where they all sit on the table.
Is insulation good for green building?
They say "solid petrochemicals are a lesser of two evils when compared to CO2" and deride my concerns as "an example of 'Perfect is the enemy of good'."
Does rock wool have formaldehyde?
I have been a fan of rock wool instead and once made the case that it was the greenest insulation, but it apparently still has formaldehyde. The Living Building Challenge gives it an exemption for exterior use on foundations because there are not a lot of options, particularly if you want to avoid foam.
Is it safe to put toxic chemicals behind walls?
Toxic chemicals aren't necessarily safe if they are behind walls, either . "A 2009 Healthy Building Network analysis of fiberglass insulation emissions studies revealed that formaldehyde from binders readily migrated through drywall and air barriers."
What is the best insulation for an attic?
Spray foam insulation is the primary type of attic insulation. Pair it with blanket insulation to better insulate edges and corners, and use it to seal gaps in existing walls. The most expensive type, it can be a hassle to remove; however, it’s the most effective option for insulating your home against the transmission of hot and cold air.
How thick is attic insulation?
Using all eight pieces without cutting them covers a 64-square-foot space with 8.25-inch thick insulation. This blanket-style attic insulation is easy to cut and install, and the thick insulating material also helps reduce noise and vibration in your home.
Why are foam boards not as effective as blanket insulation?
However, foam boards don’t cause moisture accumulation and mold growth as can blanket insulation, because the solid foam doesn’t absorb a lot of moisture. Instead, it dries in a relatively quick time frame.
What is foam board insulation made of?
Low in cost and easy to install, foam board insulation is generally made of polyurethane, polystyrene, or polyisocyanurate. Sheets of foam board can be cut to fit tightly between wall studs or attic ceiling joists. Because they are not as effective at insulating, foam boards are not as popular as blanket insulation.
Why do we insulate the attic?
Photo: homedepot.com. Insulating your attic is an excellent way to protect your home from temperature extremes and moisture damage. Insulating also is an effective way to reduce heating and cooling costs. Insulation acts as a barrier to prevent the transfer of heat from the inside to the outside of the house in winter or from the outside to ...
Why is radiant foil used in insulation?
It works through its reflective foil barrier, which is attached to kraft paper or polyethylene bubbles. The bubbles help prevent the transfer of heat through the barrier because they provide a pocket of air, which reduces the rate that heat can move through the substance.
How thick is a blanket of fiberglass insulation?
This blanket insulation comes in a 9-inch-thick roll. It boasts an R-value of 30, keeping your home warm in colder months and cooler in the warmer months.
