5 Best Roof (Attic) Insulation Options: Cost, Pros & Cons, Comparison

Space heating and air conditioning are the top energy expenses in US homes, representing 51% of total consumption according to the US Energy Information Administration.

However, this also means there is a major opportunity for energy efficiency measures that reduce your heating and cooling costs. There are three main ways to achieve this, which can be combined for greater effect:

  • Upgrade to newer HVAC equipment with a higher nameplate efficiency and a lower operating cost.
  • Use smart controls and thermostat setback to optimize the operation of heating and cooling equipment.
  • Improve your insulation level and seal air leaks, which reduces the workload on your space heating and air conditioning system.

As a rule of thumb, your home loses 25% of its heat through the roof during winter, and gains 25% of outdoor heat through the roof during summer. This means you can greatly reduce your annual heating and cooling costs by improving roof insulation.

In this guide, we will discuss the best roof insulation options available for homeowners.

  • Foam board or rigid foam insulation
  • Loose-fill or blown-in insulation
  • Spray foam and foamed-in-place insulation
  • Structural insulated panels (SIP)
  • Batt and roll insulation

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