What type of insulation is used for ceilings?
There are multiple kinds of insulation that work if you are looking to insulate your ceiling.
Fiberglass Batts & Blankets
R-value: 3.0-4.0 per inch (R-13 for a 2-by-4-framed wall).
Advantages: Widely available and familiar, standard widths and thicknesses are designed to fit between studs, joists, and rafters. Paper- and foil-faced versions have stapling flanges that make installation easy.
Loose-Fill Fiberglass
R-value: 2.2–2.7 per inch.
Advantages: Lightweight enough for attic applications over ½-inch drywall ceilings with framing every 24 inches.
Open-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam
R-value: 3.5 to 3.6 per inch.
Advantages: Stops movement of air.
Polystyrene SIPs
R-value: 5.6-7.7 per inch.
Advantages: The highest R-value per inch of any insulation with a thickness that ranges from ½ inch to 2 inches. It’s often faced with foil, which acts as a moisture barrier. Easy to install.
Rockwool Batts & Blankets
R-value: 4-5 per inch (R-15 for a 2-by-4-framed wall).
Advantages: More fire-resistant than fiberglass. Doesn’t itch. Springs into shape against studs, so installation is staple-free and quick.
Loose-Fill Cellulose
R-value: 3.2–3.8 per inch.
Advantages: Effective at all temperatures, and can even perform better as the air gets colder.
Closed-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam
R-value: 6.0 to 6.5 per inch.
Advantages: Stops movement of moisture as well as air.
Cathedral Ceiling Insulation
With Cathedral Ceilings it can be possible even in well-built homes with vaulted ceilings, complete with vents and traditional fiberglass insulation, moisture problems can arise. At Green Attic Insulation, we have encountered this issue firsthand and understand the importance of finding a reliable solution.In cases where moisture is a persistent issue, our experienced crew recommend considering spray foam insulation as an effective remedy. Unlike traditional insulation materials which absorb moisture and promote mold growth, spray foam insulation creates an impermeable barrier that helps prevent water vapor from getting into ceiling cavity. Spray foam insulation creates various advantages for cathedral ceiling applications. It provides a superior thermal barrier by minimizing air leaks and reducing heat transfer between living space and the attic or roof.
Conventional Ceiling Insulation
Conventional Ceilings, also known as traditional ceilings, are the standard type of ceiling found in most homes and buildings. These conventional ceilings are popularly known to use blown-in insulation which blows in loose fill insulation material to the attic space. This method allows better coverage and fills gaps more effectively. Proper ventilation in attics with conventional ceilings are necessary because adequate ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, preventing issues such as condensation and mold growth.
To insulate these types of ceilings properly, homeowners should choose knowledgeable insulation installers like the Green Attic Insulation. Our primary goal is to educate our customers in the importance of proper attic insulation.
Suspended Ceilings
Suspended ceilings, also known as dropped ceilings, offer a straightforward and cost-effective solution to conceal ceiling imperfections, wiring, and overhead ductwork. Lowering high ceilings can lead to decreased heating and cooling expenses.
Commonly featuring 2-foot-by-2-foot or 2-foot-by-4-foot grids, these ceilings are designed to accommodate standard 24-inch fiberglass insulation batts. Optimal results are achieved by using batts with paper facing on one side, providing limited vapor barrier benefits as the paper faces downward during installation.
