One of the biggest challenges in cold weather climates is keeping the warm air in and locking out the cold air from your home. Although most attic insulation materials will provide some level of insulation, only a few can do this efficiently. An excellent attic thermal insulation material will keep you warm while minimizing energy costs.

Indeed the EPA estimates that air-sealing homes and attic thermal insulation, flooring over crawl spaces, and basement rim joists can reduce heating and cooling expenditures by 15% or total energy costs by 11%.

It may seem straightforward to just purchase an excellent insulation material you read about years back, but new technologies keep popping up year-round. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the factors to consider when selecting attic thermal insulation materials.

R-Value

The R-value of insulation material is a quantitative measure of its ability to resist heat transfer. In short, the higher the number, the better the insulation material.

To a large extent, the R-values of spray foam, cellulose, and fiberglass are almost the same. However, polyurethane foam has an R-value of approximately twice that of the three.

However, R-value is not the be-all and end-all, as you should also consider proper installation.

Cost

Home Advisor estimates that attic thermal insulation costs between $1,700 and $2,100. However, some materials will get the job done at an affordable price. The best approach, however, is to determine which type of insulation meets your needs and is cost-effective. Cotton, for instance, provides excellent airflow blockage but comes at a steeper price than other options. Mineral wool is better than conventional fireproofing materials in many ways, although it would cost an arm and a leg. If you are on a tight budget, consider fiberglass, as it is highly effective and easy on the pocket.

Amount of space

It takes a varying amount of space for different types of insulation materials to work effectively. Thus, it is essential to consider the available attic space before settling on the attic insulation material.

Flammability

Some forms of insulation are more flammable than others, so think carefully before settling on any insulation type. There are also non-flammable insulation materials that can serve as a protective layer and prevent fires from spreading.

It is uncommon for a fire to spread through mineral wool or fiberglass insulation, while cellulose insulation usually reduces fire risk. On the other hand, spray foam can start a fire at only 700° F.

Sustainability

Choosing the right attic insulation material also requires considering its long-term environmental impact. That ensures you reduce your carbon footprint.

Fiberglass and wool insulation comprise 40-60% recycled resources depending on the product’s producer. On the other hand, spray foam insulation does not contain significant amounts of recycled material.

Durability

When insulating your attic, it’s crucial that you use long-lasting materials as it’s not an easy job replacing them. For best results, select insulation materials that resist various destructive variables, such as heat, fire, humidity, UV radiation, and wind damage.

The thermal efficiency of the material depends on its resistance to warping and its ability to retain its condition over time.

Contact Attic Thermal Insulation Experts to Help You

To ensure you save energy and stay warm during the biting cold, you need to install high-quality attic thermal insulation. That’s where First Quality Roofing comes in, a leading attic thermal insulation installation company serving Wisconsin. Whatever attic insulation material advice and installation you need, we are here to help. Contact us today for top-notch attic thermal insulation materials quote or consultation.