1. The cheapest - The Fiberglass
Fibreglass Insulation is used in every other Toronto home for all the cost-effective reasons. Although the fiberglass is the least expensive, it rating is also relatively very low when it comes to efficiency. Owing to the ease of installation, fiberglass is often the first choice of DIY approach homeowners because it is cut in custom length and width leaving homeowners with the only job to roll it in the spaces of the attic.Note here that this type of installation, though, is most favorable for less humid climates, it is not ideal for very humid climates.
2. The Foam Boards - Effective Air Barrier
Fiberglass does not offer an effective air barrier. Therefore, a step up from fiberglass in efficiency and price is the rigid foam boards. They offer a structural layer and therefore are ideal for those who want to add to the thickness of the existing attic insulation. The rigid foam boards cannot be set fit by default into the attic. They in fact need to be cut and fit according to the spaces that need to be filled.3. Blown-In, a step up from the foam boards
Since foam boards are rigid and it is hard to adjust them in small spaces, blown-in insulation comes with a solution. Blown-in is a mixture of similar kinds of materials that are used in fiberglass roll in insulation with the only difference that this comes in a scattered form and is blown in using special kinds of equipment. A prime edge of this insulation over roll-in and rigid fiberglass is that it fills in the gaps properly. It is equally effective when compared with spray foam insulation, however, cheaper in price. It works best for controlling moisture.4. Spray Foam - Increases reselling value
Spray foam is formed by mixing two chemicals and this formulation is then sprayed into the attic. As it is sprayed, the best attribute it offers is that any spaces or gaps are well filled in leaving no holes, gaps, and spaces for the air to leak. This type of insulation should be avoided DIYing and a professional's help should be sought because if not properly done, expected results would not be possible to draw.Although expensive, this insulation offers a long-term benefit which is; it increases the resale value of your home and attracts customers towards your home.
5. Radiant Foil Insulation
Adding some extra layers within the existing attic insulation can help make the attic even more effective. 5 to 10 percent on energy bills can be saved by adding an additional layer of foil-like material. This is cut and fit into the attic and is targetted at combating the radiant heat of the sun to enter and warm the attic. On the one hand, it is easy to apply, on the other cheap to afford.For hotter climates, this is highly recommended where the sun lasts longer and the radiant heat lasts longer.