What to Know About Insulating Your Attic Like A Pro

Insulation in the attic is a must if you want to save on energy costs. But how do you know which type of insulation is best for your home?

What Does R-Value Mean?

The R-value is a measure of insulation’s effectiveness. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be at keeping heat out.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is a measure of how efficient a home’s energy usage is. The higher the EER, the more energy-efficient the home. There are two main types of insulation: blown in insulation and spray foam insulation. Blown-in insulation is usually installed in attics and walls between habitable spaces. Spray foam insulation is injected into walls and ceilings to seal them from air leakage, creating an airtight barrier that helps reduce energy costs.

Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC)

The Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) is a measure of how effectively heat is transferred through an assembly. The higher the HTC, the better the insulation will perform.

Sound Reduction Rating (SRR)

In the home improvement world, one of the most common questions asked is “which insulation is best for my home?” This question can be difficult to answer, as there are many factors that need to be considered. One of the most important factors is sound reduction rating (SRR).

An attic’s SRR can play a major role in how well it insulates and reduces noise from entering your home. Insulation with a high SRR will help block out noise more effectively than insulation with a low SRR. When choosing insulation for your attic, it is important to find an insulation product with a high SRR.

Fire Resistance Rating (FRS)

The fire resistance rating is a measure of how well an insulation material can resist the spread of fire. The higher the rating, the more resistant the insulation is to fire. Insulation materials with a FRS of 16 or more are typically very resistant to fire.

Durability Rating (DR)

In North America, attic insulation is typically required by law in most areas. There are a few different types of insulation that can be used in an attic, including cellulose, mineral wool, and fiberglass batt insulation. 

The Durability Rating (DR) is a system that was created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help consumers choose the right type of insulation for their home. The DR system ranks products from 1-5 with 5 being the best. 

Cellulose insulation has a rating of 1 because it cannot be damaged by fire or moisture. Mineral wool has a rating of 2 because it can resist fire and moisture but can be damaged by rodents or fungus. Fiberglass batt insulation has a rating of 3 because it resists both fire and moisture but can be damaged by rodents or fungus.

Installation Instructions

If you are looking to insulate your attic, it is important to read and follow the installation instructions provided with your insulation product. Failure to do so can result in inadequate insulation and increased energy costs. The most common types of insulation products used in attics are fiberglass batts and cellulose fiberglass battens. Both products require a professional installation by a qualified contractor.

Conclusion

These are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right type of attic insulation for your home.