Old House Attic Insulation Types

This type of insulation.

Old house attic insulation types.

If the insulation is wool like and gray it may be loose fill rockwool. Here are some guidelines. The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam. Article index to types of building insulation.

In most climates it needs a vapor barrier. Fiberglass insulation fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install. Asbestos free insulation materials contains our complete list. If the insulation particles have a certain colour usually grey brown or silver gold.

Older types of insulation include loose fill or batt fiberglass which can be pink yellow or white. Some homeowners also take the time to build walkways and or storage platforms in the attic prior to installing insulation. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps.

It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. The particles of the insulation have an accordion like texture. 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. The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value.

In most cases the best type of attic insulation will be blown fiberglass or blown cellulose insulation. While this type is often still used older insulation may be discolored or torn and is therefore less effective. Fiberglass batts cellulose loose fill fiberglass and spray foam. If the insulation lays flat.

Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers. More options exist but these four materials make up the vast majority of installations in minnesota attics where i operate. First let s discuss the most common types of insulation available for attics. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

If it is white however it may be a newer product. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. To keep the ventilation space clear above soffit vents special baffles need to be installed before the insulation goes in.