How to Pick the Right Kind of Insulation

Each type of insulation has its pros and cons. Fortenberry Roofing, a top residential roofing company in the state, shows you how to pick the right kind below.

Check the Recommendations for Your Area 

First off, you need to find out how much thermal performance is needed to keep your home cool in summer and warm in the winter. There are specific recommendations for different climate zones. 

Focus on the insulation’s R-value, which indicates a material’s thermal performance or insulation capabilities. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s ability to resist heat. 

Where Will the Insulation Be Installed?

If you’re installing insulation in the walls of a finished house, we recommend using blow-in insulation. This kind of insulation is made of recycled materials and can fill in the spaces within walls, making it the preferred material for insulating attics, crawl spaces, pipes, wires and wall studs. However, if you have an unfinished wall, floor, or ceiling, the Department of Energy recommends installing any of the following types of insulation. 

Blanket Batts and Rolls 

Blanket batts and rolls are a common type of installation and can be installed in ceilings, unfinished floors, attic spaces and crawl spaces. The problem is since the material only has an R-value of 2.9 to 3.8 per inch of thickness, you’ll need a lot of material to insulate your home properly. 

Foam Boards 

Foam boards, on the other hand, have a higher R-value than other types of insulation. But they’re not easy to install—you have to tear down your walls to install them. 

Spray Foam 

Spray foam can insulate your walls better since it can fill small spaces. There are two types: open-cell and closed-cell. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is more effective but costs a lot more than open-celled insulation. 

Having trouble picking the right kind of insulation for your attic or roof? Consult a qualified residential roofing contractor. A certification is proof that a contractor has undergone professional training. 

Looking for certified contractors in your neighborhood? 

Fortenberry Roofing, a GAF® Master Elite™ contractor, offers professional roofing services, including roof replacement services. To get a free estimate, call us at 1-806-385-6761. Or leave us a message on this form. We serve homeowners in Lubbock and Abernathy, TX.