Weighing your options for which type of approach to your attic insulation project can be confusing and difficult. We've summarized two highly utilized ways to get your home's energy efficiency boosted, via the attic below.
Air Seal & Blown Fiberglass Insulation - The Conventional Option
We air seal using an expanding foam, which seals any major gaps between the drywall where there are electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other penetrations. We also seal where there are joints in the drywall and around the top plates of your framing. In addition to this, we cover/seal any vent chases, dropped soffits, or other similar areas. This gets you air seal coverage for most air leaks from the attic.
Next, to ensure air flow, we will check for soffit vents and the existence of baffles, which promote air flow in the attic. If you have soffit vents, but no baffles, we will install them where needed prior to blowing in insulation. Then use blown-in insulation made of fiberglass to blow approximately 20 inches of the insulation into the space.
The combined effect of the air sealing and blown-in insulation:
No air leaks, helping with air quality and increased efficiency of your heating/cooling systems because air drafts between the attic (an unconditioned, typically very hot or cold area) and the space beneath.
Reduction in radiant heat or cold passing beyond the insulation. Below is a good home depot article explaining this.
Closed Cell Spray Foam - The Extremely Effective Option
Closed cell spray foam has the combined properties of the air sealing/blown-in option laid out above. The difference is, spray foam does everything much better. The foam expands when it makes contact with a surface, completely covering every millimeter, expanding behind framing and filling every gap.
Spray foam also provides superb insulate quality. It has a much higher R-value per inch, so you get twice as much value with half the space taken up. It also serves as a moisture barrier, so no moisture of any kind can pass through. This is something that the conventional approach cannot do for you.
Lastly, it considerably strengthens the structure on which it is applied. This is especially a benefit if it is installed below your roof sheathing, because on top of the moisture impermeability, it will strengthen the hold between the roof rafters.
PIKA Insulation - we are prepared to guide you through selecting the best option for your specific needs. Feel free to call us at (720) 443-1014 to setup a free evaluation and estimate anywhere in the Greater Denver area.
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