• The loft or attic can be a tough space to insulate.attic window image by javarman from Fotolia.com
  
  Insulating your home can be a tricky task if you don't have a general understanding of insulation types and what they are best used for. Insulating an attic or loft can be particularly difficult as this area tends to get either extremely hot or unbearably cold depending on the season and geographical location.
  
  

Basics

• The loft/attic is a major area of heat loss, and insulating it properly can cut heating and cooling costs. This not only saves you money it also helps your home become more energy efficient. Even if you already have some insulation, adding more will result in further savings. You also could be eligible to receive a grant toward it, under one of the incentives offered by energy suppliers, which can save you a considerable amount of money. The best way to choose insulation for your loft/attic is to review the varying types of insulation and decide what is most suitable and efficient for your particular space.
  
  

Cellulose

• Cellulose is an insulation made from shredded, fluffed newsprint containing 85 percent recycled material and 15 percent borate-based fire retardant. It is applied by being blown in dry or sprayed on wet. The fire-retardant is also great for stopping mold and pests, and it is environmentally friendly.
  
  

Cotton

• Cotton is made from denim and is treated with the same borate fire retardant used in cellulose. Shredded cotton is a very popular low-chemical choice.
  
  

Fiberglass

• Fiberglass insulation is a spun glass variant which comes in batts (rolls) or is chopped and blown into floor and wall cavities. Manufacturers have recently given this insulation a higher recycled content, which has helped it stack up favorably against the greener options.
  
  

Mineral Wool

• Mineral wool is made from recycled slag and mined basalt rock and is naturally resistant to fire and pests. It is also highly sound absorbent. The disadvantage is that it poses the same airborne fiber issues found in some fiberglass options.
  
  

Sheep's Wool

• This insulation is pretty self-explanatory from its name. Fiber is sheared from sheep, cleaned and formed into batts and fluffy loose fill, then treated for moth and mildew prevention.
  
  

Cementitious

• Cementitious insulation is made from magnesium oxide cement mixed with water, frothed with air, then pumped into cavities. It is naturally fireproof and resistant to mold and pests.