We recently experienced a home fire and are now in the process of gutting our house. Everything is getting a complete overhaul, including reframing the roof. We're getting mixed opinions on whether we should use spray foam insulation or the traditional fluffy stuff (I believe it's blown-in cellulose or fiberglass?). This has been pretty overwhelming, and with so many differing recommendations from professionals, it's hard to know what's best. We're located in the Dallas area, which I assume could influence our choice of insulation. Does anyone have resources or insights to help us decide?
2 Answers
If you have ducts up in your attic, I’d recommend considering outboard insulation on the roof deck while sealing off the attic. I've done this myself in Austin with products like ThermaCal or Hunter Panels, and I was really happy with the results. Just a heads up, spray foam is great for sealing air leaks but can sometimes trap moisture, which isn't ideal. Your choice really depends on what you're aiming for and your budget.
Don't forget that you’ll want to ensure your contractors create an airtight ceiling floor to prevent air from moving between your living space and the attic. Filling the attic with a good amount of blown-in insulation (like 10 inches or more) is also a solid move. This type of insulation is fire-resistant and repels insects, but remember—if there are gaps with things like power cables or exposed drywall to the attic, then none of the best insulation will work properly!