Overview:
Blown-in fiberglass insulation is made from tiny glass fibers derived from sand and recycled glass. Installed with a blowing machine, it creates a light, fluffy blanket of thermal protection across the entire attic floor.

Key Benefits:
✓ Excellent long-term performance — maintains R-value over time
✓ Non-combustible and naturally moisture-resistant
✓ Won’t settle significantly or lose volume
✓ Non-corrosive, odor-free, and resistant to mold growth
✓ Typically has a higher R-value per inch (≈ R-2.7 to R-3.8)
✓ Ideal for homeowners seeking a durable, low-maintenance solution

Best For:
Homes where long-term performance, moisture resistance, and air quality are top priorities.

Overview:
Cellulose insulation is made primarily from recycled paper products, treated with non-toxic borate compounds for fire and pest resistance. When densely packed, it creates an excellent air barrier that slows heat transfer and reduces drafts.

Key Benefits:
✓ Made from up to 85% recycled materials — an eco-friendly choice
✓ Excellent air sealing performance when densely packed
✓ Naturally resistant to insects and fire due to borate treatment
✓ Reduces sound transmission and outside noise
✓ R-value of approximately R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch

Best For:
Homeowners focused on sustainability and superior sound control with strong thermal performance.

When Batt Insulation Makes Sense in Attics

While blown-in insulation (fiberglass or cellulose) is the preferred choice for most attics due to its seamless coverage and energy efficiency, there are situations where batt insulation can be the most practical and cost-effective solution. At Smart Space Atlanta, we evaluate each attic individually to determine which method will deliver the best results for your specific home and budget.

What Is Batt Insulation?

Batt insulation consists of pre-cut panels of fiberglass or mineral wool designed to fit snugly between attic joists and rafters. It provides a consistent thermal barrier and is ideal for smaller or more accessible attic areas where blowing equipment may not be practical.

When We Recommend Batt Insulation

We occasionally recommend batt insulation when:

• The Attic Is Small or Easily Accessible
  If your attic is a small, open space that can be easily reached by hand, installing batts can be faster and more economical than setting up blowing equipment.
• Square Footage Is Limited
  For smaller projects under a few hundred square feet, batt insulation may provide a lower total installed cost while still achieving the desired R-value.
• The Space Requires Precision Cutting or Partial Coverage
  Batt insulation works well in areas where we need to insulate around trusses, ducts, or access platforms with more control.
• A Combination System Is Needed
  In some homes, we install batt insulation along sloped rooflines or kneewalls, then blown-in insulation on the attic floor, creating a hybrid system that optimizes performance and cost.

Benefits of Batt Insulation

• Provides excellent thermal resistance (R-3.0 to R-4.0 per inch)
  
• Cost-effective for small or straightforward spaces
  
• Easy to replace or upgrade in the future
  
• Can be combined with air-sealing measures for improved efficiency
  
• Made from non-combustible and recycled materials (depending on product choice)

Why We Do Not Offer Spray-Foam Insulation in Attics

At Smart Space Atlanta, we make decisions based on building science, health, safety, and long-term performance. We do not think there is a perfect insulation but there are pros and cons with their application. All methods need to adhere to best practices of air sealing and insulating. While spray-polyurethane foam (SPF) is marketed by some as a “premium” insulation option, in practice we have observed—and documented—too many red flags to offer it reliably for attics (and crawl spaces). Below is a summary of the risks, documented litigation, and real-world concerns that guide our choice.

Health & Chemical Sensitization Risks

• Spray foam insulation involves mixing two liquid chemical components (“Side A” and “Side B”) in the field. When improperly mixed or cured, residual unreacted chemicals—especially isocyanates—can remain in the foam or off-gas into interior air. Spray Polyurethane Foam Health + Safety+2Indoor Doctor+2
• Isocyanates are a known cause of occupational asthma and respiratory sensitization. Even low-level exposures can trigger severe asthma attacks in sensitized individuals. CDC Stacks+2PubMed Central+2
• The California Department of Toxic Substances Control identifies methylene diphenyl diisocyanates (MDI)—a common component in SPF—as a chemical of concern due to its potential for respiratory effects. NRDC
• The Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) industry’s own educational materials admit that overexposure to vapor or aerosol during installation can irritate the respiratory tract, cause sensitization, and in rare cases lead to asthma-like symptoms. Spray Polyurethane Foam Health + Safety
• The U.S. EPA has expressed concern about exposure to any isocyanate-containing material used in SPF installations, including potential long-term effects. https://archive.epa.gov/epa/saferchoice/health-concerns-about-spray-polyurethane-foam.html

Because of these risks, we believe it is safer to avoid offering spray foam in attics, where leaks or off-gassing may persist over many years.

Other Red Flags With Spray Foam Insulation:

1. Termite Companies Will Not Bond Spray-Foamed Homes
Many pest control companies refuse to bond or warranty homes with spray-foamed attics or crawl spaces because the foam prevents them from properly inspecting for termite activity or performing effective treatments.

2. Spray Foam Can Hide Critical Plumbing and Mechanical Issues
We are especially cautious about spray-foamed crawl-space subfloors. A major benefit of a crawl space is easy access to plumbing, electrical, and gas lines for inspection and repair. When these components are fully covered in foam, leaks and failures are harder to detect—leading to costly, hard-to-reach repairs.

3. Chemical Odors Can Persist Seasonally
Several past homeowners have reported that they can smell their spray foam each summer, particularly in homes with low rooflines where heat builds and can reactivate chemical odors.

4. Documented Chemical Fire Incidents
We have been informed of at least two cases in Atlanta where a spray-foam company attempted to apply a small patch using a portable kit. The chemicals reacted improperly and caused a chemical fire, filling the home with smoke and leading to significant damage.