Making decisions when building a new home can be both thrilling and practical. Of all these decisions, perhaps none is more crucial than choosing insulation for your new home.
Batt insulation comes in widths to suit standard wall studs, attic joists, and floor joists, and may come with or without facings – facings such as paper or foil provide a vapor retarder which helps stop the migration of moisture into building materials, which could otherwise lead to mold growth and rot.
It is less prone to rotting
Batt insulation is one of the cornerstones of high performance houses for many production builders, combined with air sealing it ensures a building will achieve close to its R-value during testing.
Installed correctly, batts should touch all six surfaces within a cavity – this includes top and bottom plates, sides of studs, back of exterior sheathing or rigid backing, backs of walls/rim joists or rigid backing, backs of batts (usually by friction-fit or staple) as well as roll trimming which is completed using a utility knife.
Hemp batt insulation is hypoallergenic and biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly choice than fiberglass or mineral wool insulation. Furthermore, hemp batt is ideal for new builds due to its ability to be cut open and expanded as needed, with easy installation between wall studs and roof joists without itching issues – even though its price point might exceed Rockwool panels; still it provides an effective alternative to traditional cellulose insulation materials.
It is easier to hang pictures
Batt insulation, typically comprised of fiberglass, is one of the most commonly used forms of home insulation. It fits tightly between studs, joists, or rafters and blocks air infiltration and heat transfer – helping save money on energy bills while creating a healthier indoor environment – helping prevent mold growth as well as pest infestation. Batts are easy to install when compared with other insulation methods which may require special fixings or leave perforations in vapour barriers – this method also making rehanging heavy items such as kitchen cabinets or pictures easier!
For optimal results, always measure and cut a fiberglass batt to fit in each area carefully, in order to avoid gaps or humps in insulation. This method ensures maximum insulation protection and efficiency.
It is cheaper
As an economical alternative to spray foam insulation, fiberglass batt insulation offers much simpler installation procedures with reduced expenses and resources required for implementation. A professional installation may help ensure proper execution and maximize performance.
Insulation batts are typically composed of fiberglass or mineral wool that has been precut into industry standard sizes. They may come with or without kraft paper (known as “kraft”) or foil faces depending on climate and whether or not moisture movement needs to be retarded by their insulation properties.
Also consider sheep’s wool, cotton, or straw for home insulation purposes. These materials are fireproof, hypoallergenic, pest resistant and reduce sound transmission; their R-Value ranges between R-13 to R-19 depending on batts width; additionally they may be treated with borate to make them fire and moisture proof.
It is less rigid
Foam insulation materials come in various forms. From spray-applied and blown in insulation to spray-in-place solutions, foam insulation materials provide a simple yet cost-effective way to seal air leakage around windows and doors, electrical and plumbing penetrations and other details hard to seal with drywall. Spray-in-place options come with various R-Value ratings so homeowners can select one best suited to their home’s specific requirements.
Rigid foam boards of insulation such as Kingspan or Celotex offer an effective alternative to batts. Thinner and taking up less wall space, they also come equipped with vapour barriers.
rigid foam boards offer higher R-Value insulation compared to traditional fiberglass insulation and are easier to install, fitting between studs, joists and beams without leaving gaps or settling over time. Furthermore, these rigid foam boards can be fitted either with or without facing that acts as a vapor and air barrier barrier, making them an effective solution in older homes or commercial properties.