Bubble wrap insulation is an economical, lightweight and compact choice that features one or two layers of bubbles sandwiched between either single or double foil layers.
Foil-faced bubble wrap manufacturers once boasted R-8 insulation ratings for ducts; now, however, they must comply with construction codes which stipulate a vapor barrier as part of a solution.
Roof
Roof insulation can be one of the more complex aspects of insulation, as it must ensure proper ventilation and structural integrity. Thankfully, there are various methods available to insulate roofs without an attic, including using recycled newsprint cellulose fiber, fiberglass batt insulation or closed-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation.
Before installing insulation in your roof space, be sure to inspect its condition to make sure it is dry and free of rot. Furthermore, it’s essential that there are no animals nesting therein.
Install insulation between rafters and joists using appropriate tools. Wear protective gloves, long-sleeved shirt, N95 respirator mask and goggles while cutting, handling or installing insulation; purchase these tools from your local hardware store or home improvement center if necessary – an adjustable staple gun may be useful when attaching insulation boards to joists.
Walls
Wall insulation can drastically improve your home’s climate efficiency, making it easier to heat and cool it while cutting energy costs and being better for the environment. Furthermore, wall insulation reduces noise pollution as well as sealing any cracks where air might escape or enter through small openings in walls or floors.
Foil-faced bubble wrap is used as an insulation material when building new buildings, often combined with metalized layers that prevent moisture condensation inside, serving also as fire barriers and providing moisture prevention.
CooLiner is another option, employing reflective polyethylene bubbles to combat condensation and form a vapor barrier. Available either single or double bubble options and boasting a high R-value rating and safety certifications, CooLiner can be safely utilized when insulating pole barns or storage buildings.
Floors
Foil bubble insulation can be utilized on the floors of post frame and metal buildings to prevent cold or hot air from escaping the building, act as a vapor barrier, and decrease condensation that could otherwise lead to mold or mildew growth.
Insulation products such as this come either with one or two foil layers for insulation. A single product features one layer of bubble material between its foils while two products boast two.
Thick insulation offers excellent heat transfer protection across the three spectrums – conduction, convection and radiation. Furthermore, it acts as an effective barrier against moisture intrusion through air currents or vapors and resists UV ray penetration which causes plastics to degrade over time. Furthermore, humidity won’t have an adverse impact on this insulation material, meaning no mold or bacteria growth occurs as a result. Furthermore, installation is quick and simple using hand tools or staple guns, and safe for both homes and other commercial buildings.
Crawlspaces
Crawl spaces are like mini basements, but are becoming less common among new construction in North America. Given that crawl spaces tend to be damp environments vulnerable to mold growth and pest infestation, insulation and sealant systems must be in place in order to stop moisture escaping into living spaces through any channels in the floor or walls.
If the crawl space ceiling’s floor joists are vented, insulation should be added to protect it from cold floors above; for unvented crawlspaces, sealing them with a vapor barrier and adding insulation can keep their temperature closer to that of occupied floors above and thus reduce energy loss as well as making homes more comfortable and durable.
Sealing and insulating crawl spaces can be done using various materials, but closed-cell spray foam is often the go-to choice to create an air seal and thermal barrier in the joist bays above. Though DIY installation may be possible, professional installation should always be preferred to ensure compliance with building codes.