Different Types Of Old Attic Insulation

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.

Different types of old attic insulation.

In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. One of the biggest problems with old attic insulation types is that some of them are contaminated with asbestos. And as we all know asbestos hardly needs an introduction anymore. In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60.

I am trying to identify the type of insulation in my attic. Signs of asbestos contamination. For loose fill insulation each manufacturer must determine the r value of its product at settled density and create coverage charts showing the minimum settled thickness minimum weight per square foot and coverage area per. Batt or blanket insulation is made from glass or cotton fiber and comes in roll form usually in widths of 16 or 24.

The type of insulation you need depends on which type is currently installed and the required r value. I suspect the insulation is original. It looks to be a white batt type insulation. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

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. In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49. Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers. R value ratings vary among different types and forms of home insulations and among products of the same type and form.

First you should understand the different types of insulation. Due to the age it disintegrates into dust when i compress it between my fingers. The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam. Loose fill insulation consists of natural or man made fibers that are blown into the ceiling cavity.

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. As we mentioned previously vermiculite can often come with some asbestos mixed into it. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous. There are five main types of insulation that you may encounter. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.