It is critical to remember that the impact of home insulation is determined by how effectively it has been installed and its suitability for your climate and area. Before delving into the various insulation types, remember that different varieties are appropriate for other parts of your home. While keeping costs in mind, remember that most insulation pays for itself over the long run. The energy savings in your heating and cooling bills and the health benefits that some of the more expensive insulation forms provide will be well worth the investment.
When it comes to insulating your home, you have many options. We’ve discussed some types below to help you choose the best one.
Foam Board or Rigid Foam
Insulation foam boards or rigid panels can insulate almost any home area, from the roof to the foundation. It benefits exterior and interior wall sheathing and special applications like attic hatches. Foam board insulation has double the R-value of any other insulation material for the same thickness. It reduces heat conduction through structural elements such as wood and steel studs.
The three types of rigid foam insulation are polyisocyanurate, extruded polystyrene, and expanded polystyrene. Furthermore, they are stronger, water-resistant, simpler to operate, and water-vapor permeable.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated Concrete Forms are poured concrete wall forms that remain part of the foundation walls. It serves as a form for shaping the concrete and insulation for energy efficiency. This system produces thermally resistant walls. ICF systems are interconnected foam boards or hollow-core foam insulation blocks that lock together.
Plastic ties are used to hold the foam boards together. Steel rods can be added to the foam boards for reinforcement before the concrete is poured. Steel rods are frequently used inside the hollow structure of foam blocks to solidify the walls.
Blanket Batt Insulation and Roll Insulation
Blanket batts and rolls, perhaps the most common wall insulation, are typically made of fiberglass. However, versions of cotton, mineral wool, sheep’s wool, and plastic fibres are also available. It comes in handy rolls that are simple to transport and carry. It’s particularly suited to do-it-yourself projects.
Batts and rolls come in widths corresponding to the standard spacing of wall framing, upper floor trusses or ceiling beams, and rafters. For all the places where the insulation will be subjected, batts with a special flame-resistant facing are available in widths. It is available with or without kraft paper or foil-kraft facing, which acts as a vapour and air barrier.
Radiant Barrier Insulation
Radiant barriers, also known as reflective barriers, differ from many other types of insulation in that they work by reflecting heat aside from your home rather than attempting to reduce the flow of heat out of it. This insulation comprises a substrate material such as kraft paper, foam board, or polyethylene balanced by a reflective material, typically aluminium foil. Radiant barriers are easy to install and inexpensive, and they have proven efficiency in the attics and garages of homes in warm climates. The R-value system is not used to assess this method.
Loose-Fill and Blown-in Insulation
Blown-in insulation is installed by blowing a paper-like material into the space to be insulated. It is either produced mainly as loose material or broken down into smaller fragments and particles, giving it a fluffy appearance. This type of insulation is frequently made of fibreglass, rock wool, or reclaimed cellulose material that conforms to almost any location, including the most challenging obstructions. Because it is made from recycled waste, blown-in insulation is usually very environmentally friendly. It’s simple to apply and effective in small spaces where other types of insulation would fail, such as around pipelines and ventilation ducts.
Sprayed-Foam and Foamed-In-Place Insulation
Spray foam insulation fills gaps and seals leakages inside foundation walls. Liquid polyurethane is sprayed into the wall cavity, where it spreads and stiffens into a solid foam. Homeowners can use pressure-sprayed foam insulation when working with a larger area. To minimize air leakage in holes and cracks, use small pressurized cans of foam-in-place insulation. Some installations can produce a greater R-value than traditional batt insulation for similar thickness and fill even the most minor cavities, resulting in an effective air barrier.
Conclusion
If you value energy efficiency, you should think about insulation and the various forms it can take. Insulation is a barrier against heat loss and heat gain; some types perform better in specific locations than others. There are several types of insulation available in the market such as Batt Insulation, Fiberglass Insulation, Blown-In Insulation, etc. and the one you pick will be determined by your budget, R-value requirement, DIY functionality, and prevailing insulation system.