When it comes to insulating your home, there are two main types of insulation to choose from: blown-in and batt insulation. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences between them before making a decision. Blown-in insulation is made of various types of recycled materials, such as fiberglass or cellulose, which are then injected into the attic with a machine. This type of insulation is ideal for irregularly shaped spaces, such as attics, as it conforms to the existing characteristics of the house.
Batt insulation, on the other hand, is composed of fiberglass and is stored in large rolls or blankets. It is more suitable for open spaces, such as the space between wall posts. When it comes to thermal performance or heat flow resistance (R factor), fiberglass blocks typically have an R-factor of 3.1 to 4.2 or slightly more per inch of material. Blown fiberglass insulation, however, usually has an R factor of 2.3 to 2.8 per inch of material.
According to the USI, blow insulation can work up to 22% better than certain types of block insulation with the same R value. For this reason, it's essential to select the highest quality insulation materials to guarantee that you get the best long-term benefits in terms of housing price, rodent protection and savings.Blow insulation is installed with a specialized machine that uses air to put the insulation in place through a hose. It requires specialized equipment for installation and can stabilize over time, but is more difficult to install on walls or other vertical spaces. Block insulation, on the other hand, is more difficult to install in finished spaces and doesn't work as well to seal air or reduce noise.
So which type of insulation is best for your attic? It really depends on the desired functionality of the attic space, the future goals of the attic, and the current situation of the attic. If you're looking for a radiant barrier capacity or need something that can fit into tight, oddly shaped areas better than block insulation can, then blown-in insulation may be your best option. However, if you're looking for something that's easier to install in finished spaces and provides better air sealing and noise reduction capabilities than blow insulation can offer, then block insulation may be your best bet. When it comes to replacing attic insulation in Sacramento, choosing between block insulation or one that fogs up can be difficult.
Disadvantages of block insulation include its lower R value per square inch (between 2.9 and 3), meaning you'll need to stack several layers of insulation into blocks to achieve the right amount of insulation.
