Which Insulation is Best for Attics?

With the harsh Iowa winters underway, nothing is better than being able to retreat from the snow, wind, and ice, and enjoy the comfort and warmth of your home. However, such is not always the case if you do not have a properly insulated attic.

The attic is a critical point in which cold air can easily enter your home, while the warm air from inside escapes. This process is known as air leaking and can cause unpleasant drafts, noticeable temperature fluctuations, and may have you making multiple trips to the thermostat.

Contending with an inadequately insulated home can be a pain, which is why properly insulating your attic is an absolute necessity. However, this leads to the question, which insulation is best for attics?

Insulation Options

There are various types of insulation that can be used for an attic. Some options include fiberglass batt, cellulose, and loose-fill fiberglass. Although fiberglass is a popular choice, it is not the best insulation material as it can cause skin irritation or rashes to anyone who comes in contact with it. And if fiberglass becomes airborne and is inhaled or gets into the eye, it can be dangerous and lead to great discomfort.

Made with recycled materials that have been treated for fire resistance, cellulose insulation is an environmentally-friendly choice. Additionally, this type of insulation does not contain any fiberglass, eliminating any concern of inhaling the chemical or harming your skin when in contact with the insulation.

Without any fiberglass, cellulose is perfect for filling tight spaces, as it is blown into the attic, wall cavities, and around beams, pipes, and wires.

Factoring in R-Value

Another way to determine the overall effectiveness of insulation for your attic is to look up the R-value of the material. In inches, R-value measures insulation thickness. The greater the R-value rating, the better the energy efficiency.

It is also important to consider that there isn’t one general recommended R-value for every home. This often factors with your local climate, so homes in colder areas tend to benefit more from insulation with a higher R-value. However, if you live in a warm area, a high R-value may not be necessary.

Cellulose insulation has a relatively high R-value, indicating that it effectively combats heat transfer, which is perfect for homes in colder locations, such as Iowa.

And due to cellulose’s thickness, gaps and cracks are easily filled in. This is highly beneficial, as these openings are common culprits for air leakage. And when these spots are sufficiently sealed, your home is more likely to maintain a continuously comfortable indoor temperature, reducing the stress on your HVAC system to possibly even lower your monthly energy expenses.

A Company You Can Trust

Say goodbye to a drafty and uncomfortable home and hello to a warm and cozy winter indoors. If you are interested in the best insulation for your attic, then look no further than the professionals at Home Solutions of Iowa. Our skilled and experienced team has the know-how to properly install first-rate cellulose insulation at your home.

With HSI on your side, there is no doubt that your home will always maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Contact us today to learn more about the insulation services we offer.