Old House Attic Insulation Types

If the insulation lays flat.

Old house attic insulation types.

Older types of insulation include loose fill or batt fiberglass which can be pink yellow or white. The particles of the insulation have an accordion like texture. The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material.

While this type is often still used older insulation may be discolored or torn and is therefore less effective. Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Fiberglass insulation fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install.

In most cases the best type of attic insulation will be blown fiberglass or blown cellulose insulation. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Asbestos free insulation materials contains our complete list. The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value.

If the insulation is wool like and gray it may be loose fill rockwool. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. If the insulation particles have a certain colour usually grey brown or silver gold. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

If it is white however it may be a newer product. This type of insulation. 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. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers.

To keep the ventilation space clear above soffit vents special baffles need to be installed before the insulation goes in. If your home was built before 1990 chances are you have one of the old attic insulation types. Here are some guidelines. In most climates it needs a vapor barrier.

Fiberglass batts cellulose loose fill fiberglass and spray foam. Some homeowners also take the time to build walkways and or storage platforms in the attic prior to installing insulation. Article index to types of building insulation.