What Is an Attic Blanket?

Just as a person uses a blanket to stay warm, a house can use a type of insulation called an attic blanket to retain heat and keep out the cold. The attic in many houses is a prime source of heat loss, leading to higher energy bills and chilly, uncomfortable living spaces. An attic blanket is a good way to add insulation to a house’s upper story. Heat rises and also seeks cold areas, and the blanket is intended to prevent much of a home’s heat from escaping. Attic insulation is a good investment, as more than 40 percent of a house’s heat escapes through the roof.

There are a number of different types of insulation, and the blanket is the most popular. An attic blanket can be purchased as a roll of insulation material, or in batt form, with batts being precut. The advantage of rolls is that a homeowner can cut them to fit, while batts eliminate the extra step of measuring and cutting because they are usually sold in standard widths that correspond to attic joists. An attic blanket is usually made from flexible fibers, such as fiberglass, plastic fibers, mineral wool and natural fibers, which include sheep’s wool and cotton. The most common fiber used to make attic blankets is fiberglass.

A homeowner can purchase an attic blanket that comes with facing or without facing. Facing can be foil, vinyl or another type of material that is attached to the blanket. The facing is intended to block air and moisture, retarding the formation of mildew and condensation. Many attic blankets are treated to be flame-resistant.

An attic blanket works by reducing the amount of air that escapes a home. An attic blanket, like other types of insulation, will help homeowners cut down on energy use and ultimately save money, but the amount of energy and money saved depends on the quality of the insulation and other factors. These factors include a homeowner’s geographic location and climate, the home’s construction and the efficiency and type of heating units being used.