The average American spends more than four hours per day watching television. Yet, the...

A familiar sight in unfinished attics, this material is also called blanket insulation. It is typically glass wool (fiberglass) or other fibers in a sheet form. It is sometimes enclosed with a facing of kraft paper, foil, or vinyl, as an air and/or vapor barrier. Less expensive and less effective than professional, blown-in insulation, it must be installed with a fine attention to detail to prevent any gaps or pockets that will allow air to pass through. Care should be taken when handling fiber insulation to prevent skin or lung irritation from the fibers.