There are many different insulation products designed for a variety of applications. Most require professional installation and must meet specific R Value requirements.
Blanket batts and rolls are typically made of fiberglass, but can also be made of wool, cotton, sheep’s wool, or plastic fibers. They are most suitable for insulating existing walls and ceilings.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is one of the most commonly used types of insulation, especially in residential homes. It comes in blankets or “batts,” which are then placed between studs and joists during the building process, as well as loose-fill fiberglass insulation that is applied using a blowing machine. Fiberglass is moisture-resistant, so it can be used in attics and walls.
It’s also less expensive than many other insulation types, which makes it popular with homeowners looking to do their own installation. However, because it’s made of glass and can contain allergens such as dust and mites, some people prefer to have a professional install fiberglass for them.
Its R-value varies depending on how it’s installed, but it tends to perform well in most situations, even when placed in extremely cold conditions. It’s a better choice than cellulose, which loses some of its R-value in these extreme conditions. However, it is flammable, so if you’re worried about fire safety, cellulose may be a better option for your home.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made by hammer milling recycled paper into a fine powder, then adding boric acid for fire retardant properties. It can be blown into attics or walls as loose-fill, dense pack or wet spray insulation. It’s hygroscopic, meaning it wicks moisture and moves it from areas of high concentration to low concentrations, much like how water spreads across a towel to dry faster.
It’s a popular option for new construction and retrofits, providing R-values of up to 3.8 per inch. It’s a great choice for cold climates, as it resists the loss of R-value caused by moisture or freezing conditions.
One drawback is that cellulose is more expensive than fiberglass, as it requires experienced installers to properly install it. They need to understand how to dense-pack loose fill cellulose, apply stabilized wet spray insulation on sloped surfaces and allow time for the wet cellulose to dry. It also requires more material than fiberglass to achieve a similar R-value, so it can increase your energy bills by as much as 30% or more in some cases.
Foam
Foam insulation is a great choice for homeowners who want to insulate walls, floors, ceilings and roof rafters. It offers a high R-Value and creates an air seal to help save energy. It can also help reduce the amount of dust and noise in the home.
There are two types of foam insulation: open and closed cell. The difference is that open cell foam has cells that aren’t completely encapsulated, which makes it softer and less stiff than closed cell foams. The open cells allow for greater flexibility, and they are able to absorb water vapor. Closed-cell foams are more rigid and stronger to pressure, and they offer higher R-Values per inch of thickness.
During installation, a specialized spray gun applies liquid foam to a surface. It then expands and hardens into a continuous layer of insulation that fills gaps, cracks and crevices. It can be applied to both new and existing homes. Foam insulation is more expensive than blanket batts and rolls, but it can save money on energy bills and eliminate the need for other tasks such as applying housewrap and a vapor barrier and taping joints.
Mineral Wool
Both fiberglass and mineral wool insulation can be used in a wide variety of applications. Both keep temperatures regulated and help you save money on energy costs. However, there are a few distinct differences between the two products.
One difference is that mineral wool is more eco-friendly. It contains recycled content and can be made from a number of different minerals. It also has better fire resistance than fiberglass. However, the mineral fibers used to make mineral wool insulation can cause respiratory problems in some people.
Another benefit of mineral wool is that it has superior sound control properties. It can reduce unwanted noise pollution in offices, schools and homes. This helps promote concentration, productivity and overall health.
Unlike cellulose, mineral wool insulation is typically available in batts or boards. It is often more stiff than fiberglass and has a higher R-value. This makes it easier to install in a traditional home, making it an excellent choice for new construction or major renovations. It is also an option for multifamily housing or single-family homes located near highways or other noisy areas.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated concrete forms are hollow blocks or panels made of styrofoam that construction crews stack into the shape of walls before pouring in reinforced concrete to create the building. They stay in place as permanent thermal & acoustic insulation, space to run electrical wiring & plumbing, and backing for drywall on the inside and lap siding, stucco or brick on the outside.
In theory, insulated concrete form walls transfer heat from the building to the outside, preventing colder exterior temperatures from negatively impacting the curing of concrete and providing a strong energy efficient structure. However, in reality these walls only transfer as much heat as the structure’s interior needs.
Fox Block insulated concrete form foundations, also called block or panel ICFs, significantly reduce air infiltration in a home, saving energy and money on utility bills. Additionally, ICF structures resist lateral forces and buckling as well as cracking, moisture intrusion and more compared to wood framed buildings. Additionally, ICF’s fire resistance and durability improve a building’s quality long-term.