Some types of attic insulation can burn or ignite, while others are naturally more fire-resistant. Fiberglass is generally noncombustible, cellulose is treated with fire retardants, and spray foam can burn when exposed to sufficient heat or flame. Fire performance also depends on the specific product and how it is installed.
Homeowners often ask whether attic insulation is flammable when comparing insulation materials. The answer depends on the type of insulation and the specific product. Fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam each respond differently to heat and flame, so understanding those differences can help you make a more informed choice for your home.
How Flammable Is Attic Insulation?
The answer to the question depends on the type of insulation. Let’s take a look at three popular types of insulation: fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is generally considered noncombustible because it is made primarily from glass fibers. The insulation itself does not readily ignite, although some facings or surrounding building materials may be combustible. Fiberglass can also lose its effectiveness or melt when exposed to very high temperatures.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is made primarily from recycled paper fibers, so the untreated material would be combustible. Insulation manufacturers add fire-retardant treatments to improve its resistance to ignition and flame spread. Proper installation is important to maintain the product’s intended performance.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a plastic-based material and can ignite when exposed to sufficient heat or flame. Because of this, building codes may require approved thermal or ignition barriers depending on where and how the foam is installed. Fire performance varies by product, so the manufacturer’s specifications and installation requirements should always be followed.
At the end of the day, the key to ensuring your attic insulation is safe and effective is to partner with a reputable company that is both skilled and knowledgeable in installing attic insulation. An experienced attic insulation company will be happy to go over the pros and cons of each type of attic insulation with you, so you can feel confident choosing the right type of insulation for your home.
Where to Turn for Attic Insulation
If you’re looking to have attic insulation installed in your home, the experts at Larson & Keeney Home Services are here to help. We have been helping homeowners enhance their homes’ energy efficiency with a range of attic insulation services since our founding in 2009, so you can be sure we have the level of experience necessary to get the job done.
Our team can evaluate your attic and existing insulation, identify areas that may need improvement, and recommend an insulation solution based on your home’s needs. Once we have identified areas that may need improvement, our expert technicians can recommend and install the insulation solutions needed to help make your home more energy efficient and comfortable.
Schedule an Attic Insulation Consultation
Are you ready to invest in additional attic insulation to improve the energy efficiency of your home? If so, then contact Larson & Keeney Home Services today. A member of our team will be happy to schedule you for your initial consultation to discuss which type of insulation may be best for your home.
