Types of Insulation

» Blanket Batts and Rolls

Commonly known as Batt insulation, it is made of plastic fiber, mineral wool, natural fiber, and fiberglass. You can have this type of insulation with or without facing. However, many people opt for facing batt insulation as it blocks the vapor. Get batts with robust flame-resistant facing if you want to leave insulation exposed in the areas like the basement. The benefit of choosing batt insulation is that they are easily available. You can install them in unfinished floors, crawl spaces, ceilings, and attic. However, the R-value of batt insulation is between R-2.9 and R-3.9 per inch thickness. That means you need to install 10 to 12 inches of insulation for optimal results.

» Concrete Blocks

Concrete blocks are for building walls and foundations. If you don’t fill cores with concrete and steel for structure support, you can fill them with insulation to improve the wall’s R-value. Using insulated concrete blocks is the right choice as they add a layer of insulation by taking advantage of materials used in the foundation. If your home is new construction or you’ve made major additions, concrete blocks are a better choice. But it is worth mentioning that insulated concrete blocks are not good enough to improve insulation. It can pass heat through the uninsulated concrete. That means you still need to install insulation over the block’s surface, either the interior or exterior of the foundation walls.

» Rigid Foam or Foam Board

Insulation foam comprises rigid panels that you can use on just about all parts of your home. Whether you install panels on the roof or the foundation, they work the same way while offering a higher R-value compared to other insulating materials. Also, the insulation foam board is super easy to install and work with. However, you need to knock down the walls to use foam board or rigid foam to insulate existing walls. It also requires that you install the board and re-drywall.

» Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation

This insulation type uses small fiber particles, foam, and several other materials. An expert insulation contractor blows the material into spaces. You can use it for wall insulation, ceiling insulation, attic insulation, and other crawl spaces. Loose-fill and blown-in insulation are the best methods if you don’t want much disruption. The insulation type is environmentally friendly as it uses recycled waste materials. This could include materials like cellulose that comes from recycled newsprint (fiberglass containing 20 percent to 30 percent recycled glass) and mineral wool that has more than 75 percent of post-industrial recycled material. You need to seal air on the walls or attic and install soft venting for blown-in insulation if required. Also, insulation may require cutting and refitting poorly laid batts and plumbing. If your home has areas with a lot of moisture, they may develop mold that can affect blown-in insulation. That is why it is essential to ensure that you seal the areas properly before blowing. Make sure you hire a professional insulation contractor such as Conejo Valley Home Services to install blown-in insulation, unlike fiberglass batts, which you can install yourself.

» Foamed-in-Place and Sprayed Foam Insulation

This type uses liquid foam to spray the areas in need of insulation. Once sprayed, the foam hardens into insulation material that is very effective and long-lasting. You can use spray foam on the walls, on the attic, under floors, and below a roof. Sprayed foam even fills tiny cavities and reduces air leakage. You can also use spray foam insulation around wires, windows, pipes, and door frames. The insulation type comes in two forms: closed-cell and open-cell. The closed type is more effective but expensive compared to the open-cell type, which is not good for ground level as it absorbs water. We recommend you opt for an energy audit before your purchase to determine the best insulation type for your home. Hire a reliable company that offers low-cost or free audits.

» Cotton Insulation

Cotton insulation comes in a unique batt form like stone wool and fiberglass. It works excellently at low temperatures and during high winds. It is because cotton insulation is not only effective for thermal performance but also for sound absorption. Also, installation is easier than other types, and it doesn’t require any protective gear. The insulation type contains 10 percent boron-based fire retardant- a non-toxic, natural mineral. In addition to that, cotton insulation is resistant to pests, mold, and fungus and takes significantly less energy to make. It doesn’t contain any irritants or chemicals and is completely safe to install.

» Polyisocyanurate Insulation

Though Polyisocyanurate is a great product for some applications, it comes with some notable limitations. It is quite moisture-sensitive, which is why you need to make sure not to expose it to water, whether during construction or service life. Panels have strong foil membranes on each side. If the environment is right (warm and dry) polyisocyanurate is a preferred foam product as it provides high performance. However, the GWP of this insulation type is low. Know that its foil membrane serves as a vapor barrier to the wall, and tape acts as an air barrier.

Also Read: Cellulose Insulation or Fiberglass Insulation? Which is better for your Attic?