Glass fibre insulation (commonly referred to as cellulose) is created from recycled materials. As both thermal and acoustic insulator, it traps pockets of air that prevent heat loss while simultaneously acting as sound proofing material. Installation options range from loose-fill to insulation boards.
Although easy to install, this product should only be handled correctly as improper handling may lead to itchy skin irritations and should be kept out of reach of children.
It traps heat
Glass wool insulation is an economical and straightforward insulating material to install, a favourite among house builders and home owners alike due to its ease of installation. Glass wool traps pockets of air to reduce heat flow, helping homeowners meet R-Value recommendations while cutting energy costs.
Reducing moisture exposure is crucial for its proper operation; otherwise, microscopic air gaps could become ineffective and increase the risk of interstitial condensation which could corrode or decay walls and timbers.
Glass wool insulation can be installed and used safely once dry; always install with a vapour barrier to avoid damp.
It is acoustic
Glass wool insulation (also referred to as fibreglass insulation) is made from recycled glass materials melted at high temperatures and spun into long thin strands before being bound together using an adhesive binder and baked in an oven.
Glass wool insulation can provide excellent soundproofing benefits, helping reduce noise from outside sources and protecting from noise pollution. Its open structure and low density are what contribute to its acoustic properties – but there may be other types of insulation which provide more effective soundproofing effects than glass wool.
Fiberglass insulation comes in the form of slabs, blankets, and rolls, and its versatility makes it suitable for many different situations. Plus it’s energy efficient too–helping reduce heating costs by up to 40%!
It is easy to install
Glass fiber insulation is an increasingly popular choice for home construction and renovation, as its versatility makes it suitable for use both inside the walls and ceilings, as well as between wall studs. Not to mention its fire-retardant qualities and paintable surface.
Itching can be an issue when using fiberglass insulation products, but this can easily be reduced by wearing long pants and sleeves and selecting products with curled fibers that will be less likely to irritate the skin. Also consider wearing a dust mask while working with these materials.
Compressing insulation will lower its R-value and make it less effective, so it is wise to seal around fixtures and vents prior to installing insulation.
It is a cosy place for rodents
No insulation material can fully protect against rodent infestation, but certain bulk insulation types can help ward off an outbreak. They’re made of cellulose treated with boric acid or other pest-blocking chemicals which kill rodents that consume it.
Insulation of this kind is installed into the walls of your home through blowing. Made from loose fiber aggregates that cannot be tunneled by mice, it prevents mice from inhabiting wall cavities. Furthermore, it blocks air movement and helps seal your home while simultaneously blocking air movement and helping seal your space – but may cause itchy reactions on skin surfaces.
It can sag
Be mindful that fiberglass insulation may sag with time in crawl spaces, as well as moisture damage. Wet insulation loses its R-value and effectiveness and increases rodent and mold growth risk.
Fiberglass insulation comes in both blankets (long rolls or batts) with and without paper backing for installation between wall studs and floor joists, or loose fill form to be blown into wall cavities with a machine. Fiberglass is popular due to being both cost-effective and nonflammable – both qualities that make it attractive choices when choosing insulation products for walls and floors.
It needs to be laid with a vapour barrier
Glass wool insulation can serve as an effective vapor barrier in crawl spaces and attics, making installation easy. But to prevent moisture accumulation that could damage structures, an additional covering such as a vapor barrier should be added on top.
As manufacturing fiberglass insulation requires significant amounts of energy, its embodied energy is higher than other forms of insulation. Fiberglass can also be dangerous if inhaled directly and produces dust during installation, necessitating protective clothing and face masks for installation purposes.
When installing fiberglass insulation in the home, its paper side must always face toward the inside of your house to reduce moisture build-up that could lead to mold growth and ultimately cause structural issues.