Different types of insulation

The main purpose of insulation is to either keep heat inside during the cold months of the year and outside during the hot months, making the inside of the property more comfortable to be in. There are quite a few choices when it comes to insulation; some are better than others and that is measured with an “R-value” that indicates how well the insulation in question prevents heat from getting in or out. So how do you know which one to choose? Let’s take a look at the different choices that you have and some of their advantages and disadvantages:

Cellulose Insulation 

This insulation is designed with an R-value of 3.6 per inch and made out of shredded newspaper that is then treated with Boron which is a fire retardant and insecticide, further protecting your home from fire and pest infestations.  

Closed-cell insulation 

This type of insulation boasts an R-value of 6.0 per inch, making it very effective at preventing the transfer of heat from the inside or outside of your home.   

Open-cell insulation

This insulation is a bit different from others because of the way that it is applied; it is first blown into place as a liquid and quickly becomes solid. Its R-value ranges from 3.6 to 3.8 per inch.  

Ground-up blue jeans Insulation

As its name implies, this insulation is made from blue jeans and marketed in batts. One of the benefits here is that you can install it just as you would fiberglass insulation. The R-value of this particular insulation ranges from 3.2 to 3.6 per inch.  

Fiberglass insulation 

This is perhaps the most common insulation all across the country and has an R-value that ranges from  3.2 to 3.6 per inch. It is intended to go into the stud bay loosely in order to prevent more air from getting through. When you use this insulation you have to double check that it is, in fact, loosely installed because you don’t want it to lose any effectiveness at all.   

Moisture barrier

We have found that in places where there are extremely cold or hot temperatures, moisture tends to be a problem in wall cavities. A polyethylene vapor barrier can help us a great deal in this situation. In hot climates such as Florida, you will want to install a vapour barrier on the outside to on the warm side to give it its most effectiveness at keeping moisture out; whereas, in cold climates such as Alaska, you will want to install the vapour barrier on the inside of the wall.   

Other considerations about closed-cell insulation

One of the best benefits that you get when you choose to install closed-cell insulation is that it does not require a vapour barrier or even a vapour retarder. That fact coupled with its R-value of 6.0 per inch probably makes you wonder why people do not use this type of insulation all of the time. The answer to that is cost. Closed-cell insulation costs as much as 4 times as much as other types of insulation, so not everyone is able to afford to use it in their homes or other projects.    

Which insulation type is right for you?

Knowing as much as you can about insulation will help you to make the right choice. Things that you should consider include the R-value that you want and need, the cost of the insulation, and how easy or hard it will be to install. Check out this link: https://www.insulation4us.com/ Once you have made your choice, it just takes some good workmanship to get the insulation in there properly!  

 

   

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