Gaithersburg Roofing: Article About Types Of Attic Insulation
The building envelope consists of physical separators, including the thermal barrier and weather barrier, that keep the indoor living environment separate from the outdoor environment. Spray foam insulation can move the thermal barrier to the attic space.
FAQ from the Gaithersburg roofers: What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam?Closed-cell polyurethane spray foam is denser than open-cell spray foam. As such, it has a higher R-value than other types of foam and protects better against water penetration and moisture buildup. Open-cell spray foam expands once it is put into place; however, it does not insulate as well as closed-cell spray foam.
In many cases, the attic space is ignored by most homeowners until leaks or roof damage occurs or their energy bills become too high. However, when the attic space is well insulated and protected, a homeowner may find that their energy bills cost less and that ice dams and other roof problems are likely to form. There are three main types of insulation: traditional batts, blown-in insulation and spray foam. Because there are advantages and disadvantages to each type, a Gaithersburg roofing contractor can help determine which type works best for the attic.
Batts are large pieces of insulation held together with fibers interwoven with adhesive binders. While these are popular types of insulation because they can be installed efficiently and by a capable professional, they also have a number of problems. Because they come in precut rolls, they are not made to fit all spaces equally. The batts can be cut down, but if the attic space has intricate nooks and crannies, there will be portions with little or no insulation. Additionally, batting must be cut to fit around electrical wiring and lights, which can be difficult.
Blown-in insulation is an alternative to traditional batts.
The expert roofers at Seneca Creek Home Improvement of Gaithersburg can assist you with any questions regarding roofing, windows or siding.
This insulation comes in small clusters that are blown into spaces using a machine and a hose. Because the chunks, made of either fiberglass or cellulose, are small, they can be blown into small spaces. This is a good alternative for homeowners who have small or unreachable attic spaces without leaving gaps.
The final major type of insulation that a homeowner may use in attic spaces is spray foam. This type of insulation comes in both open-cell and closed-cell types. Spray foam is often used in attic spaces where the HVAC system ductwork has been installed in the attic cavity. This is because spray foam provides a boundary between the living space and the unconditioned space. When a layer of spray foam is added, this boundary, or building envelope, is raised, preventing the need to move and rework any ductwork. However, the biggest disadvantage to spray foam is that it is costly to install; if the ductwork is not in the attic, it is recommended that blown-in insulation be used instead.
Ultimately, the type of insulation that works best for a homeowner depends on the size of the attic, the attic design and the cost of insulation. A homeowner must take these factors into consideration when determining what type of insulation they are interested in having installed.
