Insulation helps to keep your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer, which can help you save on heating and cooling costs. Knowing the differences between types of insulation will help you choose the best depending on their features and your needs. Some of the options you’ll come across include; fiberglass, cellulose, and foam insulation. Here’s more information on various insulation types:
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is mainly comprised of glass and sand and is flexible. The insulation is available in blanket form, is ideal for unfinished walls, and loose-fill form, and is suitable for complex spaces like attics.
Fiberglass insulation can reduce the risk of property damage caused by water as it doesn’t retain moisture. You may not have to worry about mold or mildew growth on your property. Being a natural fire retardant, the insulation may reduce the risk of fire damage.
This insulation carries sound-dampening qualities and can reduce the noise entering your home. It’s eco-friendly, so it is perfect for anyone interested in green building materials spray foam insulation cost .
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is an environmentally friendly solution. The insulation is primarily made of recycled cardboard and newspapers, making a reduced carbon footprint one of its main benefits. It can be a perfect choice if you want to build a green home.
Cellulose insulation has a high R-value. R-value is the measure of a material’s effectiveness in resisting heat flow. The higher the R-value of a material, the better it will insulate your home. This insulation contains an acrylic binder that forces it to settle once installed, so its R-value reduces slower than that of other materials. It’s treated with boric acid, which repels pests and rodents.
Foam Insulation
Foam insulation has three main variations: polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate. Polyurethane foam insulation may be ideal for concrete forms. It can replace the wooden forms used on fresh concrete during construction. Polystyrene is a stiff resin that is easy to cut and shape, making it great for residential and commercial insulation. Polyisocyanurate comprises organic and inorganic materials that make it an eco-friendly option.
Foam installation is rigid, and it doesn’t shift after installation. This increases its durability, so you may not need to worry about replacing your installation for years. The insulation is also pest and rodent-resistant, which makes it great for crawlspaces and basements, as they’re the most infested.
Foam insulation is versatile and flexible. You can ask your supplier or installer to cut it into any shape. This makes it ideal for areas with unusual shapes, like attics. Foam insulation is water-resistant so you won’t have to worry about rotting, mold, or mildew growth.
Rockwool Insulation
Rockwool insulation is a form of mineral wool insulation. It includes rocks, which are heated and turned into wool. This insulation is available in board form, which improves its strength and durability.
Rockwool doesn’t absorb water and may be less likely to experience construction material degradation resulting from water damage. This makes it perfect for spaces like basements and laundry rooms as they’re often exposed to moisture.
Rockwool can be fire and rodent-resistant. It can save your home if you’re affected by fire or pests. The material’s installation process is relatively easy, and installers may not take too long, saving time and cost. This insulation is made of stones like basalt rock, so it’s dust and itch-free.
Choose the Right Type of Insulation
Foam insulation is one of the best choices because of its versatility, eco-friendliness, and rigidity. This insulation can be used to insulate any space since the material is easy to cut and shape. It can be water and rodent resistance, which makes it a safe option, as the insulation may reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and pest-related illnesses.
