Insulation is critical for saving energy and lowering energy bills. In fact, the average home in the U.S. spends about 50% to 70% of its energy bills on heating and cooling. This means that anyone who wants to lower their energy costs must look at decreasing how much they are spending on cooling and heating.
In the average home, insulation is able to reduce the cost of heating and cooling by about 20 percent. Unfortunately, most homes do not have adequate insulation. This is why you may be thinking about adding more insulation to your home. But which insulation is the best choice for you? You've come to the right place. We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of the available insulation options so that you can make a better informed decision.
Rolled insulation is typically made in the form of long, narrow blankets and is then processed into tightly compacted rolls. Rolled insulation is usually found in standard widths of 16 inches or 24 inches to enable it to be installed between the joists of the building. These blankets are put into place and then trimmed to the desired length. The "R" value, which is the amount of resistance to heat flow, varies for rolled insulation based on its respective thickness. However, R values can be increased by adding additional layers of insulation.
A variety of materials can be used to manufacture rolled insulation, including:
Blown insulation, also known as "loose-fill" insulation, is sprayed or blown into the space that needs to be insulated. Unlike rolled insulation, blown insulation coats the surface to which it is applied. Insulation values can be increased by increasing the volume or thickness of the insulation being installed.
While blown insulation can be applied by hand, the preferred method is using pneumatic equipment for better results. Blown insulation is typically made from recycled paper or cardboard products, though it can also consist of fiberglass or mineral fibers.
Rolled insulation is the traditional choice that may already be in your house. It comes in large rolls that are simply unrolled in the attic. Blown insulation, however, is more efficient to install. It requires a machine and workers to distribute it. Installing rolled insulation, on the other hand, is much more labor-intensive as it must be manually cut and shaped to fit the attic’s nooks and crannies, which can take a great deal of time.
Batt insulation consists of layers of felt that are cut to fit between the home’s framing. It often requires more than one layer to provide optimal protection. However, batt insulation leaves gaps that can result in lower energy savings. Blown insulation provides a more consistent and complete distribution, making it the superior option for energy efficiency.
No matter the size or configuration of your attic, blown insulation is likely the most efficient and economical solution. It conforms to the unique contours of your attic space better than rolled insulation, ensuring a more thorough application.
When comparing insulation types, R-values are important. Rolled and batt insulation generally provide R-values between R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch of thickness, whereas blown insulation offers R-values of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch for fiberglass, and between 3.2 to 3.8 per inch for cellulose, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
| Insulation Type | R-Value per Inch of Thickness |
|---|---|
| Rolled and Batt Insulation | R-2.9 to R-3.8 |
| Blown Fiberglass Insulation | R-2.2 to R-2.7 |
| Blown Cellulose Insulation | R-3.2 to R-3.8 |
For homes in Newtown, PA (Zone 5), R-38 to R-49 is recommended for attic insulation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Ensuring your attic is properly insulated helps maintain a comfortable home and reduces your energy bills year-round.
Attic insulation plays a crucial role in your home’s energy efficiency. It helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter while lowering your energy bills. Insulation also prevents air from escaping the interior and blocks hot or cold air from entering the home.
While rolled insulation requires manual labor and shaping, blown insulation is faster to install, especially when using specialized equipment. Although the installation process is more complex, it significantly reduces installation time.
DIY attic insulation can be difficult, especially with rolled insulation. Cutting it and fitting it into your attic’s corners can result in gaps and waste. Blown insulation requires special equipment that is not typically available for DIY projects.
TAP (Thermal Acoustical Pest Control) insulation offers superior energy efficiency and pest control. Made from recycled materials, TAP also provides fire resistance and eliminates off-gassing, making it an eco-friendly choice. TAP is especially effective in blocking pests and providing long-term energy savings.
If you want to ensure your home is green, energy-efficient, and protected from pests, TAP insulation is the solution. Contact a licensed pest management company for installation and schedule a FREE inspection today.
