Attic Insulation FAQ

Attic Insulation

There are different types of insulation and insulation materials. The choice largely depends on the climate where the insulation is being done. As a homeowner, you may have questions regarding costs, types and materials in insulation. Here some attic insulation FAQs answered.

How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost?

There are some factors that come into play when costing insulation. These include:

• Square footage of the surface to be insulated
• The depth/thickness of the insulation material needed
• The type of insulation already in place if any
• The presence of insulation stops or lack thereof

How is Attic Insulation Upgraded?

The steps involved in improving an attic’s insulation are:

• Laying protective material from the front door to the attic’s hatch
• Measuring and marking the attic for the required depth of insulation material. The installer will also check for the presence of installation stops. These are used to create space along the soffit to allow movement of air
• Blowing in the insulation into the attic.
• Making the insulation collar and weather-stripping the attic hatch panel

What Are The Types Of Attic Insulation?

Blown-in fiberglass – This is the most commonly used type and material of insulation. This is because blowing in enables reaching tight corners and other tight spaces. At the same time, fiberglass is affordable, non-combustible and does not suffer permanent loss of R-value.

Blown-in glass wool – This insulation material is made from recycled glass and is blown into place using high-pressure high volume pumps.

Why Choose Fiberglass Over Cellulose?

Temperatures in Canada can vary and sometimes get very cold going below zero. This condensation will eventually get the insulation material. The fact is that cellulose is made from shredded recycled paper. Cellulose becomes a very good habitat for pests who feed off the minerals like wood borers.

Cellulose withstands moisture poorly as it retains much of it, just like you would soak a book in water. Fiberglass, on the other hand, resists moisture very well. The material does not soak and dries out quickly.

Fiberglass is an inorganic material. This means that pests and microbes cannot feed off it and inhabit the material.

Is Fiberglass Effective Against Cold Temperatures?

All attic insulation materials apart from spray-on foam resist heat flow by trapping air. In extreme cold (-30 degrees Celsius and below), the air getting trapped becomes colder meaning the air eventually crossing will become cooler as the temperatures drop.

Cellulose is a bit denser than fiberglass which makes it perform better for temperatures below -30 degrees Celsius. But homes are typically rated –R50 which means the fiberglass insulation will be just as effective. If you are looking for professional attic insulation Calgary services contact 4 Weather Insulation & Roofing.