Different Types Of Old Attic Insulation

And as we all know asbestos hardly needs an introduction anymore.

Different types of old attic insulation.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. I am trying to identify the type of insulation in my attic. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Loose fill insulation consists of natural or man made fibers that are blown into the ceiling cavity.

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous.

Due to the age it disintegrates into dust when i compress it between my fingers. The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value. Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. R value ratings vary among different types and forms of home insulations and among products of the same type and form.

Batt or blanket insulation is made from glass or cotton fiber and comes in roll form usually in widths of 16 or 24. Signs of asbestos contamination. It has a sparkle or shine in the sunlight. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.

5he house was built in 1944 and is northern virginia. It looks to be a white batt type insulation. Because blown in insulation which is fiberglass generally can go on top of the existing insulation the negative thing about blown in insulation is that it makes the attic absolutely impassable when you re done and you need a lot more thickness of it because it has more air inside of it than you would if you used fiberglass bats. I suspect the insulation is original.

The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam. One of the biggest problems with old attic insulation types is that some of them are contaminated with asbestos. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. First you should understand the different types of insulation. There are five main types of insulation that you may encounter.

Old attic insulation types.