We know we need to choose a good, reliable, insulation that will be durable and in the end save us money on our energy bills. Before choosing which insulation we want to use, we should familiarize ourselves with the different materials. Learning about which one will be right for our home, our specific project, and which one will save us the most time and money.
We will consider 3 different types of insulation:
What you need to remember when dealing with insulation and its effectiveness is the R-Value, which will tell you how well the material insulates your home. It is a scientific number used to indicate the products resistance to heat flow. Therefore the higher the R-Value, the greater is its thermal resistance.
1. FiberGlass
You may purchase fiberglass insulation on batts, or loose fill. It is very affordable but it does have a lower R-value than most although, higher than cotton. Batts are generally easier to install, because the pieces have been woven together, but when you are applying the fiberglass you never want to force it into an area that is too small because when it becomes too compressed, the r-value decreases.
2. Cellulose
With a slightly higher r-value than fiberglass, cellulose Is made from recycled paper so it provides a green, efficient, non toxic and affordable thermal solution. This form of insulation provides a great resistance to air leakage. It is available as a loose fill product and has been used to treat damage from pests and moisture. However, when moisture absorption occurs, cellulose becomes compacted and becomes less effective. Because it is hygroscopic, it has the ability to soak up and hold in water. Undetected leaks can cause cellulose to sag within the framing cavities. So before choosing to go with cellulose please make sure you have completely and carefully sealed up any water leaks.
3. Closed Cell Spray Foam
This is a polyurethane product that involves mixing two chemicals that are applied with a hose. It has a high r-value, it expands and conforms to any space, helps keep out insects, and also minimizes the growth of mold and mildew. Closed cell spray foam is great to use for attics and crawl spaces on areas where we cannot reach, its expanding abilities cause it to be very effective to minimize air leaks and filling cracks and holes.
Now that we know a little more information on a few of the most popular insulations out there, let the professionals help you install it safely and effectively.
