Choosing the right insulation for your building can make or break energy efficiency and comfort. Insulation reduces the transmission of heat and sound.
Many different types of insulation exist to fit a variety of climates and requirements. Some are more durable than others. Blanket batts and rolls are easy to install for DIYers. Loose-fill and blown-in insulation are blown or poured into walls and attics using special equipment.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made primarily of recycled paper, mainly newspaper, and is a green alternative to fiberglass batts. It is also a more sustainable option as it reduces the mountains of paper waste generated by our paper-hungry society and requires less energy to produce than closed-cell spray foam. Additionally, cellulose is a highly recyclable material that can be reused in future projects and provides an excellent R-value for a great price.
Blow-in cellulose insulation also insulates more effectively than fiber glass batts, due to its high density and ability to fill gaps around electrical boxes, wiring and non-standard wall stud spacing. It also limits the movement of air through the insulating layer by using the natural properties of vapor diffusion to slow moisture movement, which prevents the accumulation of moisture in walls and attics.
During manufacture, cellulose undergoes a borate treatment that increases fire resistance and also makes it unpalatable to mold and insects. There has been some static in the industry warning that cellulose could burn, but independent testing confirms that it is safe and far more fire-safe than fiberglass.
While cellulose has some drawbacks, such as the fact that it produces significant dust during installation and requires specialized equipment to install, it is the only conventional loose-fill insulation that is sustainable, and it has a higher R-value than fiberglass batts. After installation, sprayed cellulose insulation can take a day or two to fully dry, and the installer should check it with a moisture meter to ensure that it is dry before authorizing a close-in.
Foam
Foam insulation is an effective insulator, and it can be installed as a rigid foam panel or injected into wall cavities. It is known for providing a high level of thermal performance and blocking outside noise, and it can be applied in places where other insulation products may not be able to reach. Foam insulation also provides a tight building envelope, reducing energy consumption.
Foam has a higher R-value than other types of insulation. The R-value is a measure of a product’s ability to prevent heat transfer, and the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Foam insulation also provides a tight barrier to moisture, preventing mold and mildew growth in the walls of your home.
Unlike other forms of insulation, which can sag over time and reduce their R-value, foam is resilient. It can be sprayed into wall cavities from either the inside or the outside of the house and is easy to work around obstructions, such as wires and plumbing.
Spray foam comes in a variety of thicknesses and R-values. Closed-cell foam has a denser cell structure than open-cell spray insulation and provides a stronger resistance to water and air intrusion. It can be used for both residential and commercial applications, and is also suitable for use in concrete walls to increase their R-value. Open-cell spray foam is lighter in weight but doesn’t provide the same level of R-value as closed-cell.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is a type of rock insulation—typically made from 85 percent recycled slag and 15 percent raw basalt—that’s spun like cotton candy to create fibers and then formed into batts. It can be used in new construction or added to existing structures. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to fiberglass, and its acoustic properties make it a good choice for homes located near highways or other noisy areas.
It’s also non-combustible, which makes it a good choice for buildings where fire safety is a concern. Mineral wool also doesn’t lose its R-value over time, unlike typical insulation.
The material is dense, which helps reduce noise transmission between rooms. It can be installed in walls, floors, and ceilings, but it’s especially effective in the joist spaces of multifamily residences and single-family homes. It’s also an excellent solution for renovating older homes, since it can be substituted for fiberglass without compromising the home’s acoustic performance.
One drawback to this type of insulation is that it can be quite itchy, so installers should wear gloves and a dust mask. It’s also slightly more expensive than fiberglass. However, mineral wool is easier to install than fiberglass, as it’s much stiffer and can be cut with precision. It’s also less prone to mold and rot than fiberglass.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is one of the most common insulation materials and has been used in homes, commercial and industrial buildings for decades. This material works by trapping air and slowing the transfer of heat. It’s available in blanket form (often called “batts”) and a loose-fill style that can be blown into an attic or crawl space. It’s also available in different thicknesses, which determine its resistance to heat flow, known as an R-value (the higher the R-value, the better it is).
Like other insulating products, fiberglass insulation limits air movement and prevents energy loss, which can help keep rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This helps to reduce energy usage, which lowers energy bills and limits greenhouse gas emissions.
While fiberglass is a good option for many types of homes and buildings, it isn’t the best choice for certain areas. For instance, it’s not as effective in moisture-prone regions since it tends to retain and distribute mold spores. It’s also not as water resistant as some other insulation products, so it may require a vapor barrier in basements and attics to protect the integrity of drywall or wood framing.
If you choose to install fiberglass insulation in your home or commercial building, be sure to use proper installation techniques. It’s important to measure twice and cut once, and to seal any gaps or cracks to maximize your energy efficiency. In addition, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear including gloves, a dust mask, long sleeves, and protective goggles when handling fiberglass.