There are several choices to improve the comfort of a home by improving the insulation in the attic. There are essentially three popular and effective types of insulation materials. They are very different products that can be used alone or together, depending on the home and the homeowner. The primary differences are in how they are installed, as well as price.

Blown-in Fiberglass

Blown-in fiber glass insulation is installed by a professional blowing machine, which handily fills hard-to-reach areas such as crawlspaces, corners, around framing and behind knee walls.

Blown-in fiber glass is an energy-efficient alternative to cellulose insulation, as it does not settle, nor does it decay. It will insulate the home for the life of the house. It has a wide range of insulation value from R-11 to R-60. It is also noncombustible and will not corrode.

Radiant Barrier Foil

Another form of effective insulation is radiant barrier foil. This foil insulating material is reflects heat, rather than simply slowing its transfer as insulation does. Placing the foil in the attic is easy and readily affordable. It will reduce the heat lost in the winter and reduce the heat absorbed in the summer, saving the homeowner money on the power bill and making the abode more comfortable at the same time.

The foil is reinforced with a middle layer of fabric, which is tear and puncture resistant, covered with a highly reflective material. It is extremely effective, reflecting as much as 95 to 97 percent of the heat striking its surface.

Although the "R" value of an insulating material is generally very important, radiant barrier foil does not have an "R" value, which tells the degree of absorption of the material. The radiant barrier does not absorb heat, it reflects it. The easiest means of installation is to simply lay the foil on the floor of the attic. It can be installed by a professional, who may attach it with nails, staples or other long-term securing forces.

It is not necessary to have additional insulation with radiant barrier foil in the attic. However, a combination of insulating materials only serves to make the home warmer in winter, cooler in summer and reduces the utility bill.

Radiant Barrier Spray

Radiant barrier spray is a high-tech sprayable coating that applies like paint and is capable of blocking up to 80 percent of the heat from entering the home in summer or leaving the home in winter.

This paint-like spray was developed by the US military to make vehicles invisible to heat-seeking missiles. As a result, its heat-shielding property makes it an ideal insulating material for the home. Radiant barrier spray is applied with a thin coat on the underside of the roof in the attic. It is less than some other types of barriers and insulators.