Installing Fiberglass Insulation in the Attic and Roof

January 29, 2016

Whatever insulation product is being installed in the attic, the objective should be the same: to eliminate "heat transfer" in the space that is being insulated. Essentially, this means stopping air leakage - stopping warm indoor air from leaking out in winter, and stopping warm outdoor air from coming in during summer. Without good insulation in the attic and roof, a home will suffer from energy inefficiency - energy consumption will be out of balance, and utility bills will be high.For insulation professionals, the attic space represents one of the most important portions of the home's "building envelope". Because of it's location at the top of the home, and the expansive space, the attic always has a dramatic effect on "heat transfer". As such, good insulation, professionally installed, can positively effect heating dynamics in winter and cooling dynamics in summer. Its therefore vital to choose an attic insulation product that will perform. With attic insulation, professional installers have very specific aims: to stop undesirable air movement throughout the space; to prevent moisture from collecting in and around the space; and to enhance R-Value where new insulation is being installed. Here, fibreglass insulation can do an adequate job in terms of product performance, although many experts recommend combining an additional insulation product for a finished space that is more comprehensive. The two most popular fiberglass insulation products on the market are batt insulation and loose fill insulation. With advantages and disadvantages, a professional contractor can assess the products for a homeowner, and can then provide a viable plan. In terms of positives, fiberglass is asbestos-free; non-corrosive; odor free; and non-combustible. A good install will not settle measurably over time, and with good ventilation created, the fiberglass will not hold moisture (in small amounts), Neither of the fiberglass insulation products will attract animals, insects, or rodents. And with proper ventilation created, fiberglass should not be deteriorating. Best of all, fiberglass attic insulation is a cost effective project offering years of performance. There is one particular disadvantage with fiberglass insulation that causes concern for the professionals - fiberglass does not seal a space effectively. And because sealing is critical to an attic, the install must be enhanced with another product. For the professionals, the best insulation for the attic is Spray Polyurethane Foam. SPF delivers far better performance than any comparable product, and with more benefits. Its considered a premium product, and may therefore not suit every budget. But for the experts, nothing comes close to an SPF application. One of the better options for the attic is the so-called "hybrid" install. Here, a contractor will combine Spray Polyurethane Foam with one of the fibreglass products in one installation. Performance benefits are derived from each product; the overall results are impressive; and the project is very cost-effective. In a "hybrid" installation, the SPF application provides sealing and insulation far beyond any other product. As for the fibreglass application, the added R-Value enhances energy efficiency, while the dollar-value ensures cost-effectiveness. The "hybrid" install brings both great results and great value. Whatever the product chosen, attic insulation requires a professional touch to deliver maximum performance. And like any home improvement project, experts usually ensure the benefits and results that a homeowner expects.