A house's roofing keeps the elements out, but it needs a little help keeping the conditioned air in. Any professional Sugar Land roofing contractor knows proper insulation is a necessity. When it comes to insulating the attic, homeowners have three main options. Batted, blown and sprayed insulation account for the majority of residential installations. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, but all three are viable options for homeowners to consider. Alternatives beyond these three are available, but finding the materials and expertise to install these lesser known options can prove to be a daunting task.
Batted insulation is the material most people think of when they hear the word "insulation." It comes in rolls or sheets and can be found at most home improvement stores. Batts are composed of long interwoven fibers mixed with binding agents to form a sheet. The two types of fiber commonly used in this type of insulation are fiberglass and cotton. There is little difference in the insulating ability of each, and both perform well when properly installed. Cotton has gained popularity due to the emphasis on natural and recycled materials in modern green construction methods. Batts are usually the least expensive option but often leave small gaps in coverage.
The roofers from Houston Restoration Services of Sugar Land can answer any questions about remodeling or residential roofing.
Its installation requires that cut and compressed pieces fit well between boards and around obstructions.
Blown insulation is another popular option. The materials used are similar to batts and are made from much smaller pieces. Installers use a hose and compressed air to blow this insulation evenly to the depth required to achieve the R value desired. The biggest advantage this type of insulation has is its coverage. Blown insulation fills all areas completely and evenly regardless of shape or obstructions. The price will likely be a bit higher due to the specialized equipment required for the installation, but the increased coverage will be worth it in the long run.
Sprayed foam insulation is the most expensive of the three. It can cost anywhere from two to five times the cost of blown insulation. Similar to blown insulation, it expands to fill every corner of the area and does an excellent job of minimizing heat transfer. The single biggest advantage of sprayed foam is the ability to coat the underside of the roof itself. By insulating at the roofline rather than the flat ceiling, the building's infrastructure is expanded to include the attic. Including the attic as part of the conditioned structure can save money on heating and cooling bills if HVAC components or duct work are present in the space between the roof and the ceiling.
