Types of Insulation

Insulation Amounts

With the rising costs of heating and cooling, installing the proper insulation is very important. While some people think that just about any insulation will work, there are actually several factors that go into figuring out just how much insulation you need as well as the types of insulation that should be used in your home.

• Location-The R-value plays an important role in the amount of insulation you choose. R-value refers to the insulation's ability to slow the transfer of heat. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation is able to resist the heat flow. R-value needs differ depending upon the area of the country in which you live.
• Building Construction-What type of home is your house? Does it have more than one story, a basement, crawl space, and/or cathedral ceilings? These factors will also determine how much insulation and the types of insulation that will be needed for your home.
• Heating/Cooling Source-What type of heating/cooling unit do you have for your home--electric, gas, furnace, central unit, etc.?
• Building Age-How old is your home? Older homes typically need more insulation than newer homes.

Types of Insulation

Before you begin looking at various types of insulation, you'll need to check for any applicable code requirements, especially for new construction. If you aren't sure what type of insulation to choose from, visit your local home improvement or building supply store and ask to speak to a specialist. He'll probably want to know what type of construction your home is, such as brick, stone, wood, etc. There are basically four main types of insulation.

Batt and Blanket Insulation

This insulation type is constructed of mineral fiber, which generally consists of rock wool or processed fiberglass. Batt and blanket insulation can be used throughout a house, including walls, ceiling, and floors. The least costly in most cases, this insulation fits best between studs, rafters, and joists. Most of the time, its standard widths work well between framing. Batts can usually be bought in precut sections, while blanket insulation is usually bought in rolls. An R-value of R-3 is often found in batt and blanket insulation.

Loose Fill Insulation

If you need to reach hard-to-fill and hard-to-fit areas of your home with insulation, then loose fill insulation is a good choice. This insulation is blown into various areas of your house, and while it may be more expensive, it does a good job of providing insulation. Loose fill insulation often consists of cellulose fiber, created out of recycled newspaper. This insulation should be chemically treated to make it moisture and fire resistant, and it works well in virtually any area of the house that needs insulation. Its R-value is usually R-3 or R-4.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is actually a liquid insulation that is sprayed into various cavities of a building. The liquid typically consists of a foaming agent combined with either a polyurethane or a modified urethane. Once the liquid is sprayed into the various cavities, it converts to a solid plastic, consisting of millions of miniature air-filled cells. Because the liquid mixture must be measured and mixed precisely, spray foam insulation should be handled by a professional. Just like loose fill insulation, spray foam is more costly than typically batt and blanket insulation, but its efficiency often saves a homeowner money in the long run.

Rigid Board Insulation

If you are looking for insulation that offers variety in R-values, then rigid board insulation might be your best choice. With R-values anywhere from R-4 to R-8 per inch, rigid board insulation offers a good selection of varying thicknesses. This type of insulation works best in basement walls, on concrete slab edges, and with flat roofs and cathedral ceilings. It typically must be used with some other type of building-code required material, such as gypsum board, and if it is used for exterior areas, it should have weather-proof facing as well.

Whether you are building a new home or just adding additional siding to an existing home, be sure you find out exactly what type and how much insulation your home needs before you begin any insulation projects.