Ask the Builder
Attic Insulation - Blown vs. Batt
By Tim Carter
©1993-2008 Tim Carter
Summary: Attic insulation is accomplished with either fiberglass blankets (batt or blown in insulation. Batt insulation is available at home centers and lumberyards. Blown in insulation requires a professional. Before choosing blown vs. batt insulation, take time to read this column.
DEAR TIM: I would like to add additional fiberglass insulation in my attic. I can install batt insulation myself. Blown-in fiberglass appears to require professional equipment. Which type offers better performance? Are there advantages in using one type versus another? Are there any installation tips you can suggest?
DEAR T. H.: Both systems will deliver excellent results. However, if you intend to do the job with batts, you had better be a detail oriented, patient individual. The thermal performance of fiberglass insulation is directly related to its ability to trap and maintain very small pockets of air. Blown-in fiberglass creates a seamless blanket in your attic. You might spend many hours kneeling in your attic to achieve this same result with fiberglass batts.
Once installed and expanded to the uniform, manufactured thickness, batts offer a known R-factor. Blown-in insulation thickness can vary in an attic space. This will lead to non-uniform R-values.
Before you make your final decision, do a cost analysis. You may be pleasantly surprised. I recently priced the cost to upgrade a 1,500 square foot attic from R-19 to the new thermal standard of R-49 in my climate zone. The total cost to have the fiberglass blown-in by professionals was $.40 per square foot or $600. I then called the local retail outlet to price batt insulation. The cost of just the material was $.45 per square foot! Clearly it made better sense for me to have the job done by professionals.
If you can find fiberglass batts deeply discounted, you possibly can tackle the job and save some money. Wear a respirator to minimize throat irritation from airborne glass particles. Gloves, long sleeved shirts and goggles are also highly recommended. Be sure to take your time while installing the batts around roof framing members. Carefully cut the batts so they fit tightly around each piece of wood. Oh yes, don't fall through the ceiling to the rooms below.
If you have existing batt insulation between the ceiling joists, install your new batts at a 90 degree angle to the existing material. This will help cover any gaps in the original installation. Check your existing insulation for dark spots. These dirty spots may be locations of large air leaks from your finished living space. The existing fiberglass traps dirt from this air as it passes up into the attic. Locate and close these holes before proceeding.
Be sure not to block the air passageways between your exterior soffits (eaves) and/or vents and the attic with your new insulation. Flow-through attic ventilation is very important. You can purchase foam or cardboard baffles which fit in between the roof rafters as they pass over exterior walls. These baffles create an unobstructed pathway for air to enter your attic.
Do not cover any recessed light fixtures with fiberglass unless you are absolutely positive it is permitted by your local electrical inspectors. If you decide to use blown-in insulation, install scrap lumber depth gauges in the attic. These pieces of wood can be pre-marked with a crayon or spray paint to the desired finished thickness of insulation. Tack them to the ceiling joists in various locations. After the job is completed, you can pop your head up into the attic to see if the pros hit the marks!
