An attic insulation  upgrade to the attic is one of the best energy-saving home improvement projects. Proper attic insulation creates a barrier that keeps warm air in during winter and cool air in during summer, significantly reducing the workload of your home’s heating and cooling systems and resulting in lower energy costs. Insulation can also protect your house from moisture damage and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by preventing outdoor pollutants such as dust, radon, mold and fungus from entering the living space.

When choosing an attic insulation, it’s important to consider your region’s climate and the R-value (the measure of an insulator’s ability to resist heat flow) you require. The recommended R-value for most attics is between R-30 and R-38.

Maximizing Space and Savings: The Ultimate Attic Insulation Makeover

There are four major types of attic insulation: fiberglass batts, cellulose, loose-fill fiberglass and spray foam. Fiberglass insulation is made of spun glass fibers that are bound with either glue, resin or plastic. It is inexpensive and is a good choice for homes in hot or cold climates. Depending on the type of fiberglass you choose, it has an R-value between 3.1 to 4.0 per inch.

Cellulose is made from recycled newspaper and other paper products that are treated with fire-retardant chemicals. It has an R-value between 3.1 to 3.0 per inch and is a great option for homes in colder climates. Wood fiber insulation is a newer product that utilizes recycled sawmill and lumber mill byproducts to produce eco-friendly insulation. It is vapor-open to manage humidity and has an industry-leading acoustic performance.