Best Attic Insulation Guide & Reviews of 2021

As more people look to save money in 2021, they might want to consider how they’re insulating their properties. The best attic insulation can reduce heating and cooling bills while keeping the place comfortable. Of course, not all of these products are created equally, so it’s a good idea to become familiar with the different materials and installation processes.

Check out the tips and information below as well as a top 5 list of insulators to consider.

Natalie Mitchell - Editorial Staff

Updated: April 14, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

To organize this list, we sought out a team of experts and professional reviewers. Through the research, we identified the top factors that homeowners look for when purchasing an insulator. Below are the five primary categories.

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

Our team identified these metrics in each product and assigned them a grade between 0 and 10. Then, we summarized the final scores to come up with the top 5 best insulation for the attic.

1. Owens-Corning EcoTouch PINK FIBERGLASS Insulation: A Fan Favorite

Total Score /10

  • Features10/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$

Visit Website
BBB Rating
Best for

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

For those who are sick of sitting in a stifling home during the summer, check out this PINK fiberglass option from Owens Corning. It’s compatible with wood and plywood surfaces, making it good for interior and exterior walls.

It also fits easily between joists and studs. The faced roll comes pre-cut into convenient widths that are 3.5″ thick. This makes it a lot easier to use as attic insulation. People don’t have to start from square one when measuring it out.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Blocks out noise
  • Excellent customer reviews
  • High R-rating
  • Keeps moisture out
  • No formaldehyde
  • UL Greenguard Gold certification

Cons:

  • Emits a slight smell
  • Quality control issues
  • Some customers report that their packages arrive wet

Overall, this Owens-Corning option has wonderful client reviews. The majority of the complaints center around a strange odor that comes from the rolls. Placing them near HVAC units can make it worse.

The product’s faced kraft paper is designed to create a vapor barrier to prevent this problem.


2. Reach Barrier Air Single Reflective Polyethylene Insulation Roll 4”x125’: Proven to Last

Total Score /10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.5/10

Starting Price

$

Visit Website
BBB Rating
Best for

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

This option from Reach Barrier is made of 20% recycled materials and doesn’t contain formaldehyde. Customers won’t have to worry about harmful fumes or chemicals, and there’s no dusting either. It meets ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards, too.

It features sealed air laminated between two layers of polyethylene. This makes for attic insulation that is approved for public structures. The double layers safeguard the property from excessive heat or cold.

Pros:

  • An economical option
  • Easy to find
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Includes a vapor retardant
  • Lightweight
  • Meets ASTM standards
  • No formaldehyde

Cons:

  • More fragile than other options
  • Not as long-lasting as others
  • Quite thin

This air-sealed option is good for inside and outside walls, radiant floors, crawl spaces, and more. Besides being economical, it’s lightweight and easy to install. It includes a vapor retardant for added safety.

The downside is that it’s quite thin and fragile compared to other products.


3. Reflectix Staple Tab Insulation 16”x25’: A Versatile Choice

Total Score /10

  • Features10/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score8.0/10

Starting Price

$

Visit Website
BBB Rating
Best for

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

For a versatile option for the attic and more, check out this roll from Reflectix. It is compatible with cement, drywall, fiberglass, PVC and copper pipes, plywood, wood, and tile. Its R-rating depends on where customers place it.

For example, attic insulation requires a higher value than floors. Something in the 40s or 50s should suffice. In the upper area of the house, this option works as an excellent radiant barrier.

Pros:

  • Class 1 fire rating
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Mold inhibitor
  • No odors or fumes
  • Staple tab edge
  • Flame resistant

Cons:

  • Leaves air pockets
  • Reports of quality issues
  • Too thin for some consumers

This option is not affected by moisture or humidity, and it’s a great mold and mildew inhibitor. It won’t compress, disintegrate, or collapse either.

The staple tab edge makes set-up easier, especially around HVAC ducts and water pipes.


4. CertainTeed Kraft Batt: High-Quality Sustainability

Total Score /10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$

Visit Website
BBB Rating
Best for

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

Many consumers are looking for newer products that take a better stance on environmentalism. This choice from CertainTeed is a good answer. The fiberglass batts with Kraft facing serve as radiant and vapor barriers in the attic or similar space. These rolls won’t settle like other substances.

Plus, they have easy staple tabs and pre-cut widths to make set-up simpler. However, the tabs aren’t all that useful, at least according to customer reviews. That said, they don’t get in the way.

Pros:

  • Exceeds air quality requirements
  • Good R-rating
  • Environmentally certified
  • No acrylics/dyes/formaldehyde
  • Resistant to mildew/rot
  • Simple set-up
  • Sustainable

Cons:

  • Covers a smaller area
  • Harder to find
  • More expensive

As more people become more environmentally-conscious in 2021, brands like CertainTeed are leading the way. Not only is this roll made of recycled content, but it is a certified low volatile organic compound.

As such, it surpasses the indoor air quality requirements. While managing moisture and absorbing sound, it protects properties from mold, mildew, and rot.


5. RadiantGUARD Ultima-Foil Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation: A Premium Package

Total Score /10

  • Features10/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.5/10

Starting Price

$

Visit Website
BBB Rating
Best for

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

For those who are willing to shell out a bit of extra money, they can try this breathable yet durable option. Inspired by the industrialized-strength NASA materials, this attic blanket is great for stapling to rafters, roof decking, or wall studs.

One pack covers 1,000 square feet, although it is expensive. It’s also hard to find in stores, so consumers will have to go to the company’s website.

Pros:

  • Block 97% of radiant heat
  • Approved for use in public buildings
  • Covers a wide area
  • No VOCs
  • Industrial strength
  • Longevity
  • Non-toxic

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Hard to find in stores
  • Less water-resistant than others

This RadiantGUARD product blocks 97% of radiant heat and boasts Class 1 fire resistance. It’s lightweight yet durable thanks to double-sided, multi-layered aluminum. Customers are happy with its longevity and the fact that it’s non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.

This attic insulation’s multiple layers create an effective barrier against the elements. That means things stay cozy in the winter and cool and comfy in the summer.


Best Attic Insulation of 2021 (Pricing & Features)

Check out this side-by-side look for the best insulation for attic or crawl spaces. Each product has something to offer, so there’s an option for everyone.

Reolink Eco Ring Enster HeimVision Maxsa Soliom Argus 2 CTVISION Funxwe Lynx
Best For Image quality Integration Customer service Easy set-up Versatility Two-way talk Smart home Remote control Reliability Overcast days
Price $85 $149.00 $90 $64 $95.00 $69 $115 $80 $97 $163.00
Connectivity WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi WiFi
Motion Range 30 ft 15 ft 30 ft 30 ft 15 ft 15 ft 25 ft 30 ft 17 ft 30 ft
Night Vision Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Resolution 1080p 1080p 1080p 1080p 640p 1080p 1080p 1080p 1080p 1080p
Storage 64 GB 64 GB 32GB 64 GB 16 GB 64 GB 64 GB 64 GB 16 GB 64 GB
Warranty 2 yrs 1 yr 1 yr 1 yr 1 yr 1 yr 1 yr 1 yr 2 yrs 1 yr
Weather-Proof Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Weight 2.4 lbs 2 lbs 15.2 oz 1.1 lbs 3.5 lbs 9.9 oz 2.6 lbs 1.3 lbs 6.4 lbs 8.3 lbs
Wide-Angle Lens 100° 130° 120° 130° 110° 160° 130° 110° 110° 110°
Installation Type DIY DIY DIY DIY DIY DIY DIY DIY DIY DIY
Motion Detection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Weatherproof Rating IP65 IP65 IP65 IP65 IP44 IP66 IP65 IP66 IP66 IP65

The Importance of R-Value

It’s hard to talk about the best insulation for an attic without discussing R-value. According to the Department of Energy, this is a measurement of the substance’s resistance to heat flow.

  • The higher the number, the more effective the insulation is
  • Most attics require a figure between R-30 and R-49
  • Homes in colder climates should opt for something closer to R-60

Here’s how to do the math. Consider that someone wants R-48 protection, and they’re using a material with an R-value of three per inch. They would need 16 inches of insulation because 48 divided by 3 is 16. Several factors determine the overall heat-effectiveness of foam or cotton or fiberglass.

  • Type (cellulose, cotton, etc.)
  • Density
  • Thickness
  • Location
  • Installation method

For example, blown-in cellulose has an R-figure of 3.2 to 3.7 per inch. If a person uses a 3½” piece, the number jumps to 11.2 to 12.9. An attic in Florida requires an R-figure between 30 and 38, but this would be higher for someone in the northern part of the country.

It’s easy to see that there are lots of things to consider before going out and buying some insulation. The ideal R-value for attic insulation will vary depending on where someone lives, the shielding substance they use, and how they install it.

Attic Insulation Types

Since there are different styles of homes in locations scattered around the country, there isn’t one best way to insulate an attic. What works for one person may not be great for another.

So, take a look at these attic insulation options to get a feel for what would be optimal.

Cellulose

This is recycled and ground-up paper. Manufacturers add boric acid to the mix to help protect the attic from insects. Individuals can find cellulose at home improvement stores.

People can install this themselves, rent a spray blower from the store, or call a professional. To make it the best insulation for an attic, experts add a bit of water to the cellulose to increase the protective properties.

  • R-rating of 3.2 to 3.8 per inch
  • Adds an element of fire resistance
  • High density
  • Excess moisture can cause it to rot or grow mold

Pros:

  • Densely-packed
  • Good against frost
  • Higher R-rating
  • Insect-resistant

Cons:

  • Dusty set-up
  • Susceptible to mold

Cotton

Oddly enough, insulating cotton comes from recycled blue jeans. That’s why people may see dark blue packages of it at the home improvement store. This is a nice option for lots of households and attics for several reasons.

First of all, this is great for keeping the heat in. The packages come ready to unroll and install, and everything is easy to cut. Also, even though it’s recycled, it requires more energy to make.

  • The average rating is R-3.7 per inch or higher
  • There aren’t any installation dangers like toxic gases to worry about
  • It can be pricier than something like cellulose
  • Fits well around pipes and cables

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Fits well around pipes
  • Good R-value
  • No toxic chemicals

Cons:

  • A bit more expensive
  • Higher energy output

Fiberglass

This is the most common attic insulation that people will see in home improvement stores. Fiberglass is easy to find, and it’s one of the most affordable options.

As the name suggests, this is made of recycled glass that someone melted and spun.

  • Some varieties are made of sand
  • R-rating is between 2.2 and 2.7 per inch
  • It’s quite thin, so homeowners need to put down a lot of it if they want a cozy attic

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Easy to install
  • Lightweight
  • Not hard to find

Cons:

  • Requires a lot of layers for proper protection
  • Very thin

Foam

When considering foam, remember that there are two distinct options: open-cell and closed-cell. The former is about 1/2 pound thick while the latter is about 2 pounds. Unlike some materials, some foam does a satisfactory job of fitting into tight corners.

People can easily poke through open-cell foam, but the closed-cell variety provides a couple of inches of moisture barrier.

This will work hard to keep air from flowing in or out, protecting the attic from airborne pests and threats. It could potentially bend over and expose toxic spray before setting.

  • R-ratings are R-3.6 and R-6.5 per inch
  • Impermeable to water and typically contains a mold-resistant polymer
  • Doesn’t settle and it lasts for years
  • Can fold over on itself if people don’t install it properly

Pros:

  • Locks out sound
  • Higher R-rating
  • Packs into tight corners
  • Resistant to water and mold

Cons:

  • More expensive
  • Potentially toxic off-gassing

Mineral Wool

New mineral wool contains fibers from rock or recycled slag. In other words, it’s blast furnace residue. As such, the best insulation for the attic and blocking out sound.

These days, more houses are turning to mineral wool for its convenience and potentially life-saving qualities. Also, individuals must be careful about inhaling this substance in the home.

  • R-figure is 3.0 to 3.3 per inch
  • The price tag is significantly more than other options on this list
  • During the set-up process, the material can emit harmful and disease-causing particles

Pros:

  • Decent R-rating
  • Higher density
  • Impermeable to water
  • Super fire-resistant

Cons:

  • Can be harmful during installation
  • Pricey

Installation Options

For those wondering about the ideal way to insulate an attic, here are some tips. Below are the most common ways that people protect their attics and homes.

Batts

This material consists of large interwoven pieces. When most people buy batts, they are either getting fiberglass or cotton. The primary difference here is preference since both have about the same insulating properties.

However, consider that batts don’t provide the best insulation for an attic because the pieces don’t necessarily fill up all the empty spaces. Those voids and gaps can lead to a colder, draftier house.

Plus, individuals must be sure that they cut the material properly to fill in all the crevices. If there are wires in the way, that’s another obstacle to get over.

Blown-In

Protecting attics with blown-in materials may be more useful in the long run. Compared to batts, this option is the best insulation for an attic with crevices and small spaces. Blown-in types include cellulose and fiberglass. Both are small enough to fit in a spray hose, too.

Depending on the material, there are advantages and downsides. The good news is that their R-values are about the same, 3to4 per inch.

Spray

Finally, spray foam comes in two options: open cell and closed cell. While it does cost more than blown-in materials, the result is easier home use and work around poor HVAC and air duct placement.

FAQs

  • Does Attic Insulation Make a Big Difference?

    Yes. Anyone who has been in an attic in the middle of winter or summer knows this to be true.

    • In the warmer weather, the place is stifling, and it’s hard to breathe.
    • In the colder months, it is freezing, and there is a draft from the wind.

    With the proper materials, individuals can control the temperature and moisture levels and save money on utility bills while they’re at it.

  • Is Insulating Your Attic Worth It?

    Yes, most people would agree that the initial costs involved with insulating an attic easily cancel themselves out. Within just a few months, they start to see lower numbers on their utility bills.

    Plus, it feels good knowing that they are making the most out of their property and not wasting energy.

  • What is the Ideal Insulation For an Attic?

    Everyone has their unique opinion on this. Some people love using blown-in foam, while others may prefer batts of mineral wool. Other individuals might have another material that they always turn to.

    Rather than focusing on what someone says is better, consider a few different factors.

    • Location
    • Material type
    • Budget
    • Installation process
    • Size

  • How Many Inches of Insulation Should Be In My Attic?

    This depends on the property and the materials involved. Keep in mind that most people are under-insulating their properties. A good place to start is looking at the Department of Energy’s recommendations.

    According to this organization, individuals in warmer climates should have around 13 inches of insulating material. Those in colder environments should have, even more, about 16 to 18 inches.

  • Is Rolled Insulation Better Than Blown?

    There’s not a 100% right or wrong answer here, but it helps to consider what the experts say. Blown-in materials leave very few gaps, which is great for maximizing effectiveness and thermal sustainability.

    Some people prefer batts because they’re easier to install, and therefore, more folks are willing to utilize them. However, they can’t get into nooks and crannies the way blown-in fiberglass and cellulose can.

  • Can I Put New Insulation On Top of Old?

    This is a good question. Many experts say that it’s okay to add new insulating materials on top of the old. The only caveat here is if the older layer is wet, in which case adding something on top is not a good idea.

    When it comes to putting on a newer layer, try to use batts or rolled materials.

  • How Long Does Blown-In Insulation Last?

    Blown-in cellulose and fiberglass tend to stand up for a long time. Plus, the boric acid in the material can repel insects and vermin, which prolongs its lifespan even further.

    A potential downside is that after a while, the substances can become compressed or settle to the bottom. This can create pockets of thermal heat, which defeats the purpose of insulating the space.

Don't Delay on Insulating a Property

It’s always a good idea to insulate a crawl space or wall. Even if things seem confusing at first, there are plenty of resources (like this one) to help. Plus, the variety of materials and installation methods apply to any property and budget.

The greatest part of all is that this can save money in the long run. Have you recently insulated an attic, or did you consider it? Let us know about your approach in the comments below.


Editorial Staff

Natalie contributes her expertise by her professional writing and years working in editorial offices and with online publishers. Natalie is a true leader who has exceptional skills to be a team player. She excels at conducting research on robberies and thefts using open police data and is inspired by her husband’s work as a detective. With such interests, she continues to write excellent articles about security systems in general and Securing Home in particular.


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