Attic Insulation Cellulose Batts

Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers.

Attic insulation cellulose batts.

Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all. Most attics are insulated with blown in loose cellulose r 3 5 per inch blown in loose fiberglass r 2 5 per inch or fiberglass batts r 3 2 per inch. If you choose to install cellulose yourself you can buy the insulation in bags from your local home.

Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. Very common very problematic. Cellulose recycled ground up paper with boric acid added for insect control and fire resistance offers a better attic insulation option than batts. Fiberglass comes from what i ve heard one major fiberglass insulation manufacturer call a rapidly renewable resource sand.

Insulation should be rolled out perpendicular to the joists and unfaced rolls should be used. You ve probably got batts in your attic walls and crawlspace right now. In a cooling climate a good blanket of attic insulation helps keep the house cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning equipment. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Before choosing blown vs. Fiberglass is a skin and lung irritant so always wear protective eyewear gloves masks and clothing when working with fiberglass insulation. I won t even discuss r value because fiberglass batts don t belong in an attic.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Fiberglass is by far the most common type of insulation sold in batt form although cellulose batts do exist. Blown in insulation requires a professional. Batt insulation is available at home centers and lumberyards.

The photo above shows an attic insulated with blown cellulose. Batt or rolled insulation or blown loose fill insulation fiberglass or cellulose can be installed on top of old insulation. Attic insulation is accomplished with either fiberglass blankets batt or blown in insulation. Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation.

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. It comes in rolls and has paper backing on one side.