# Wait A Minute!! What is the Insulation In My Attic Made Of?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/wait-a-minute-what-is-the-insulation-in-my-attic-made-of/
- Published: 2019-09-27T22:30:35-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

_What Is The Insulation In Your Attic Made Of? The two most popular types of insulation
that are in your homes are fiberglass and cellulose fiber._

In my house, [we](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/why-insulation-between-your-house-and-garage-is-a-must-my-story-on-planet-green/)
use fiberglass batts. Fiberglass comes from glass that has been crushed and packed
into these things called batts.

However one day I will transition more to wool and jeans!

#### _Fiberglass Insulation _

Fiberglass insulation can come in loose-fill (what you can get at the hardware store)
or blown-in material. Blown-in materials are therefore usually contracted out to
a professional. Batts of insulation are rolled up blankets of insulation that you
install in between the beams in the attic. They are flexible products made from 
mineral fibers, such as fiberglass and rock wool.

#### **_Cellulose Fiber Insulation _**

First of all, cellulose fiber is a whole other type of material. Cellulose consists
of ground-up newspaper material, which is then treated with fire-retardant chemicals.
It can get into any nook or cranny. This makes cellulose the better, more complete
insulation. In addition, cellulose fiber insulation is also less subject than open
fiberglass. That’s to what builders call “wind wash,” which is simply air currents
moving through insulation. This robs it of its R-value. Source: US Department of
Energy, [Energy Saving Tips](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/5-energy-saving-tips-to-keep-you-green-in-2014/):
Insulation.

#### **Green Guard Label**

Most insulation that I have seen in stores carry the Green Guard label. A Green 
Guard label certifies that the formaldehyde levels are less than 0.5 parts per million(
ppm) of particles in the air.

![What is the Insulation in my attic made of? Fiberglass Insulation](https://i0.
wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_0932.jpg?resize=278%2C181&
quality=52&ssl=1)

Fiberglass insulation

The United States [Department of Energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/u-s-department-of-energy-funds-a-new-energy-efficiency-study-led-by-the-international-code-council-university-of-central-florida-and-resnet/)(
USDOE) says adding insulation to your attic is one of the best ways to make your
home comfortable year-round. Energy Saver Consumer Guide for weatherize Consumer
Guide. The majority of homeowners are losing money on energy. All because they do
not have enough insulation in their attic.

![What is the Insulation in my attic made of? Insulation in the Attic](https://i0.
wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_2168.jpg?resize=172%2C172&
quality=52&ssl=1)

Insulation in the Attic

#### When I help people with their energy bill, insulation is one of the first items that need to be addressed.

If you were to go up in your roof and add or upgrade your attic insulation you would
save money every year you live in that home! Yes, insulation is dirty and nasty;
just wear a mask, pants, sweatshirt and hat. Bottom line, you need to add this insulation!!
Even if you have a professional do the job, please do not forget to seal the attic
with an attic stair cover!! Now, you might just be thinking about recouping the 
money you invested to buy the insulation. Here is the thing: Your energy savings
will increase over time because utility rates go up and will continue to go up! 
Determine If You Have Enough Attic Insulation

In conclusion and to find out if you have enough attic insulation. Please measure
the thickness of the insulation. If it is less than R-22 (7 inches of fiber glass
or rock wool or 6 inches of cellulose), you could probably benefit by adding more.
Most homes in the United States have a building code that ranges between R-22 and
R-49 insulation in the attic. Most likely your insulation (if you have not replaced
it) is between 25-50% less than current energy code requires. Finally then find 
the R-Value you need by zip code.