Did you know that we lose up to 25 percent of the heat in our homes through the roof? To avoid this, it's important for every homeowner to ensure their attic is properly insulated.
So, what's the cheapest way to insulate
your attic? Can you get value in a budget-friendly option? These are perhaps
some of the questions lingering in your mind. For starters, the cheapest way to
insulate your attic is to do it yourself (which sounds like a no-brainer) and
use cost-effective materials. Is that all? Nope. But if you’re on a tight
budget, here’s how to go about it.
A Bit of Math
Typical attic insulation costs run
between $1800 and $2200. Prices vary depending on the material you use for
insulation, the size of your attic, and installation fees. Besides paying an
installation contractor, you may also have to hire an electrician if the
insulation has to go around cables or electrical boxes.
If you happen to live in a region
with a cold climate, staying toasty, especially in winter, can be expensive.
And if you rely on natural gas, heating oil, or electricity, you can expect
high utility bills. Your first order of business should be to ensure the
insulating material you select helps you meet the recommended or target
R-value. The R-value represents the material’s ability to provide adequate
insulation. Homes in colder regions require a higher R-value and vice versa.
Each material has a particular
R-value per inch. The lower the R-value per inch, the more material you’ll need
to insulate your attic properly. If you opt for insulation batts (a preferable
option), here are their respective R-values per inch.
● Fiberglass: 2.9-4.3
● Cellulose: 3.7-3.8
● Mineral wool: 3.0-3.3
Fiberglass Batts
In general, the cheapest way to insulate
an attic is by using fiberglass batting. This type of insulation is made from
recycled glass and is often used in new home construction. It's also one of the
most commonly used types of insulation, so it's easy to find. Fiberglass
batting comes in large easy-to-handle rolls that can be cut to fit any space.
Spray Foam
This type of insulation is made from
polyurethane and is sprayed onto surfaces using a special applicator. It also
tends to be very sticky and messy.
Spray foam insulation is more expensive
than fiberglass batting but is also more effective. It provides a better seal
against air and moisture and won't settle over time as fiberglass batting does.
Along the same lines, what’s your
definition of cheapest? Sometimes, ‘cheapest’ could mean using less expensive
insulation material. As a result, you may require more layers, extra or pricey
fasteners and adhesives, and so on.
You also need to establish the
long-term value of your investment. Some insulation materials deteriorate
quickly, while others endure decades with only minor damage. As a result, what
initially appears as a cheap option may not always provide value over the long
haul.
Installation Method Matters
The R-value is usually determined
before installation. Thus, even if you install R-20 insulation incorrectly and
get a real value of R10, it will be considered an R20 in most jurisdictions. It
just may not perform well enough. Simply put, if you mess up while installing
insulating materials, you might be in a bind further down the road.
