For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
Best u value attic insulation.
Whatever your definition of green the best way to quantify how well insulation works is by its r value which measures its resistance to heat flow and ranges between less than r 1 and r 60.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.
R values represent resistance to the flow of heat.
Among commonly used types of insulation there are mineral wool or fiberglass rolls and batts rigid fiberglass board loose fill materials cellulose mineral wool etc.
These can be combined for best insulation quality.
Rolls and batts are produced of mineral wool and fiberglass.
Modern technology of blanket insulation today is considered the best insulation for attic.
In general an attic s r value should be between r 30 and r 49.
You see from a performance perspective the best attic is an empty attic and i ve worked to ensure that i don t have anything in my attic except air.
The more the material restricts the flow of heat the higher its r value source.
U value is the thermal transmittance the temperature shift that occurs when the outside and inside temperatures differ.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
In particularly cold climates you might go up to r 60.
Inspecting your attic insulation.
The best u factor for your climate zone.
U values are the direct opposite representing the amount of heat that escapes through a material.
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.
The higher the r value the greater the resistance and the insulating value.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
Denim is also available in a loose fill insulation.
This generally refers to a whole structure rather than an individual wall window door or roof.
Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live.
My wife and i have unloaded a lot items we seem to never use which was partially inspired by the homeowners of our 2014 best small home.
Home depot sells a roll of 16 inch by 48 inch denim batt for 11 20.
It has an r value of 6 7 and covers 5 3 square feet.
A standardized insulation rating system ensures consistency with insulating materials rated in r and u values.
Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Environmental protection agency and the department of energy s energy star.