Insulating the interior walls of your home can save money on energy costs, reduce noise between rooms and enhance comfort. Which insulation material suits best depends on its style, climate and needs of your home.
Traditional insulation involves opening closed drywall panels to insert fiberglass or rock wool batts – an inefficient, time-consuming, and costly method of insulation.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation between walls slows air movement, which makes a home more comfortable by restricting the movement of heat, cold and sound as well as restricting water vapor transmission from within to outside according to InterNACHI.
R-value or thermal resistance varies based on thickness and type of fiberglass batts; standard 3.5-inch batts typically have an R-value of 11, while high density insulation may exceed this benchmark by two times or more.
Glasswool insulation is a cost-effective and long-term insulator ideal for most rooms. Available as rolls or batts precut to fit between rafters and studs, fiberglass provides insulation at a lower cost than many alternatives.
Fiberglass is composed of natural minerals and manufactured chemicals such as silica sand, soda ash, limestone, calcined alumina, borax and waste glass (cullet). When processed into finished products they provide insulation and sound barrier performance as well as resistance against abrasion, rot and corrosion – qualities which make fiberglass an excellent insulation and sound barrier solution.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool insulation is an excellent solution for protecting walls in older houses, thanks to its high R-value. Not only can your client save on energy costs while keeping their homes warmer; mineral wool can help them save even further by keeping costs down while keeping temperatures consistent throughout.
Insulation made from this material comes in batts or rolls for easy handling, and is significantly more rigid than its fiberglass counterpart.
Wood also boasts a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass insulation, making it an excellent choice for insulation applications.
Fireproof materials do not contribute or spread fire, while hydrophobic ones don’t absorb moisture, helping prevent mold and mildew growth.
Mineral wool insulation can cause numerous health concerns, including breathing difficulties and skin irritation. Therefore, when installing it it is vitally important that protective measures such as gloves, goggles and dust masks be worn when installing mineral wool insulation.
Natural Fibers
Natural insulation between walls is an eco-friendly approach to home building that can save you money in the long run. Not only are some natural fibers excellent insulators, they may also have fire and pest-resistance qualities which make them great additions for your home.
Expanded cork, sheep’s wool and cellulose fiber are among the more widely known natural insulation materials, though you should bear in mind that they tend to be more costly than their synthetic and mineral wool equivalents.
Research, careful consideration and proper planning are required when selecting insulation materials for your home. While there may be many choices available to you, it’s essential that the right one meets your individual needs – this means taking into account factors like energy use during production as well as environmental effects of its creation as well as lifespan considerations.
Vapor Control Layers
Vapor control layers provide insulation between walls that controls moisture flow in order to limit its entry and prevent it from condensing on cold surfaces, thus helping keep insulation in good condition while decreasing risks associated with mould and rotting timber. They play an essential role in maintaining its condition while mitigating potential mould growth or wood rot issues.
They also help conserve energy by keeping heated or cooled air inside your home, which could otherwise escape through windows or doorways. Warm air has more moisture content and condenses at lower temperatures.
Vapor barriers and retarders should be placed on the internal (warm) sides of insulation for best performance, while air barriers should be applied on its external (cool) surfaces.
There are various products on the market that can act as vapour barriers or retarders, each working differently – it’s important to identify which will best fit into your build plan.