Insulation can drastically
reduce your monthly energy costs – it’s definitely worth the
investment.
Selecting insulation
Don’t choose insulation based on how thick it is, rather,
make a decision taking into account its R-value (resistance
to heat and cold). Insulation packages include the R-level
and thickness on the wrapper, so it’s easy to compare prices
and ratings between brands.
There is more than one option when it comes to home
insulation. The type of insulation you purchase depends
entirely on the specific needs of your home.
Types of Insulation
Batts and Blankets: Fiberglass and Rock Wool Batts are both
available options. Perfect for insulating unfinished attic
floors, rafters, walls, crawlspaces, and ceilings, they
offer 3.0 R-value per inch. Installation is relatively easy
– lay them in place or fit them between studs or joists.
Friction will hold them in place in the latter example.
Fiberglass and Rock Wool Blankets also offer 3.0 R-value per
inch and can be placed in the same locations as batts. Use
friction fitting to install, but note that blankets that
come with vapor barriers that include flanges you must
staple to framing.
Loose Fill: Poured insulation consists of the
following materials.
Fiberglass 3.1-3.3 R-value
Rock wood 3.0-3.3 R-value
Cellulose 3.7-4.0 R-value
Vermiculite 2.0-2.6 R-value
Perlite 2.0-2.7 R-value
When is poured insulation a good choice? Unfinished attic
floors that have unusual spaces between joints or several
obstacles, walls, and other cavities make good use of poured
insulation. To install, pour the insulation material to the
appropriate depth, getting into every nook and cranny.
Blown Insulation: Available in cellulose (3.1-4.0
R-value), fiberglass (2.8-3.8 R-value), and rock wool
(2.8-3.8 R-value). You can use this type of insulation in
finished ceilings, walls, floors, and in other closed
spaces. This material can be difficult for the average
homeowner to install, so it’s recommended to hire a
contractor to do the job.
Foam: Urethane foam is injected into closed cavities,
and must be done by a contractor. With a very high R-value
of 5.3, this material provides decent insulation.
Rigid Foam Board Sheets of polystyrene, with an R-value of
4.0-5.4, polyurethane (6.7-8.0), and polyisocyanurate (8.0)
are excellent insulating materials even though they are very
thin. Use on roofs, ceilings, walls, foundations, and any
other location that requires very good insulation. Because
polystyrene and polyurethane are combustible, you have to
face with drywall. |
