Choosing the Right Insulation for Your Attic
The right insulation plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable living environment for you and your family. There are many types of attic insulation, and choosing the right one is key for comfort, energy efficiency, cost savings, soundproofing, and even pest control.
Understanding the types of attic insulation available, their pros and cons, and how your local climate, home structure, and budget contribute to your final decision is important. Installing insulation is a home improvement that lasts. Your insulation specialist will be able to consult with you on what is best for your home and goals.
Benefits of Pest Control Insulation
Many homeowners are choosing pest control insulation because it provides the thermal insulation you need and becomes a barrier to pests trying to enter your attic. Pest infestations are on the rise: global warming is good for most insects, such as termites, ants, and cockroaches. Because they are thriving, they’re reproducing at greater rates. Pest control insulation helps to shield you against the damage and health risks these pests bring.
Pest control insulation, or TAP insulation, offers the same energy-enhancing qualities and utility bill savings as insulations without pest-control benefits. It contains borates, a naturally occurring salt that is toxic to many types of pests but safe for people and pets. Adding borates to insulation improves its durability and energy efficiency.
Pest control insulation works on pests that are trying to enter your home as well as those that are already inside your attic. As pests walk around your attic, they get the borates on their feet and fur. They then ingest it while grooming themselves, leading to their death.
Homeowners who install pest control insulation can expect improved indoor air quality and comfort levels from the increased insulating qualities and its pest control abilities as well. Pests produce allergens that are airborne and circulate through your home. When inhaled, these allergens can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma. Pests such as cockroaches, termites, and ants also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew. Your new pest control insulation will improve the air quality in your home, providing health benefits and peace of mind.
Different Types of Insulation
As you compare attic insulation, you’ll notice that it comes in different installation forms and materials.
Attic Insulation Installation:
- Batt fiberglass insulation consists of glass fibers woven together, creating a dense material. It comes in rolls or flat pieces that must be cut to size.
- Blown loose insulation is made of fine fibers and is installed using a blower machine. It is made of fiberglass strands or cellulose. This type of insulation is often used to add insulation to an under-insulated attic.
- Spray foam insulation is a liquid that is sprayed onto a surface using a special spray gun. Made of liquid polyurethane, it expands and dries once sprayed into place, adding a thermal layer and filling cracks and gaps.
Attic Insulation Materials:
- Fiberglass is manufactured by spinning recycled glass into long fibers and combining it with a binder that is then baked together. It works by trapping pockets of air that slow the transfer of heat and sound. Some of its benefits are that it is non-flammable, moisture resistant, and reduces sound.
- Cellulose is made of recycled paper products such as newspaper and cardboard. It is then treated with nontoxic fire retardants. Denser than fiberglass, it has excellent soundproofing qualities.
- Polyurethane is a chemical compound foam that is applied as a spray or rigid board. It creates an air barrier that keeps both heated and cooled air within your home. It provides excellent thermal resistance, is more resistant to moisture and mold than other insulation materials, and is fire- and smoke-resistant.
Disadvantage of Types of Insulation
Along with considering the advantages of specific types of attic insulation, the disadvantages need consideration.
- Batt fiberglass insulation does not resist mold, mildew, and moisture. Gaps in the insulation can allow heat to pass through. For those concerned about the environment, its manufacturing uses a lot of energy and contributes to air pollution. It is also an irritant when installing it, and protection is required.
- Since it can be inhaled and irritate the lungs, blown-in fiberglass insulation carries the same health risks as batt fiberglass during installation. This type of insulation settles over time, decreasing its energy-efficient qualities. Lastly, it is not moisture-proof and can lose some of its insulating properties as well as grow moldy.
- Spray Foam insulation is more expensive to install than other insulation types and difficult to remove if you plan to renovate. If not installed properly, it can lead to moisture issues and wood rot in your attic. Spray foam can also seal your home too well, preventing necessary air circulation.
Considerations for R-Value
R-value is a rating that measures how well an insulation prevents the flow of air in and out of a home. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation performance and savings you’ll experience, but the more expensive the insulation. Determining the R-value you need depends on the climate where you live. Colder climates require a greater R-value.
Long-Term Durability and Performance
If you are insulating your forever home, you’ll want to know that the insulation you choose can maintain its R-value over time. This will ensure that it will remain an effective insulation solution without serious degradation. Some insulation manufacturers will provide an LTTR, or long-term thermal resistance rating, to show how it will fare over its lifespan.
When choosing the right insulation for your attic, look for long-term durability and the R-value right for your region so you can enjoy energy efficiency, comfort, and pest control for the life of your home.
The Critter Control Difference
At Critter Control, we install blown-in cellulose insulation treated with thermal, acoustical, and pest control (TAP) properties. This multi-functional material offers protection in three ways:
- Thermal protection: This insulation cools your home in the summer and heats it in the winter by preventing the conditioned air your HVAC system pumps from escaping. This, in turn, reduces your energy bills.
- Acoustical benefits: The fluffy layers of insulation help reduce outside noise for a quiet and more peaceful home environment.
- Pest deterrent: TAP insulation is treated with a natural pest control agent that helps prevent infestations, adding an extra layer of protection to your home.
With our expertly installed insulation, you’ll enjoy a more energy-efficient, quieter, and pest-free home for years to come.
When you choose Critter Control, you’re partnering with a team that puts your home’s safety, comfort, and efficiency first. Our services combine pest control expertise with advanced insulation solutions to deliver unmatched results. We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive solutions, eco-friendly materials, and exceptional service delivered by our certified professionals. So, if it’s time to upgrade your attic, we can help!
Don’t let outdated, damaged, or pest-infested insulation impact your home’s comfort or safety. We’ll take care of everything from old attic insulation removal to installing fresh, clean, and new insulation. Contact Critter Control today to get started with an attic insulation upgrade.