Insulation is best described as any product that prevents the transmission of energy from the inside to the outside and vice versa. Home insulation is filled in wall cavities or any other cracks in walls that allow air leakages. This way, in winters, loss of heat is prevented and in the summers, heat penetration is restricted.
The best insulation for your house is determined by your budget, the location of your house and the area in your house where you require insulation. The R-value is also an important factor to consider before insulating your house.
Types of home insulation
Fiberglass insulation
Fiberglass insulation is widely accessible. It is usually available in batts or rolls produced from recycled glass. Foil-Kraft is often attached to these batts in order to make them more water vapor resistant. Flame-resistant rolls are available in different sizes to fit the basements as well.
A standard R-value of fiberglass batts or rolls usually ranges from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch depending upon the thickness of the roll.
Fiberglass insulation works best when it is installed in wall cavities, floor cracks and on rooftops/ceilings.
Reflective insulation
Reflective insulation is usually installed in attics, preferably the roofs and ceilings, in order to decrease the effect of the excruciating summer heat and absorbing any air leakages during winters. As a result, the R-value of your house increases and the utility bills decrease.
The basic function of reflective insulation is to decrease the heat absorption by reflecting it. This type of insulation works best in warmer climates, especially in the attics. A person can save about 10% on utility bills by installing reflective insulation as it helps maintain a cooler environment in-house, avoiding overuse of air-conditioners.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation is the most expensive method of insulation but also lasts the longest and works the best. This is because the combination of elements in this insulation a more complex and compact.
Open-cell insulation
This is the first type of spray foam insulation and has an R-value of 3.6 per inch. This type of spray foam insulation is cheaper and effectively traps air bubbles, making it an extremely effective barrier against air leakages.
This type of spray foam insulation works best for internal insulation when covering gaps and holes that may lead to air leakages through walls, floors and ceilings.
Closed-cell insulation
A denser version of spray foam insulation, this type of insulation features an R-value of 6.5 per inch which makes it the most expensive insulation there is. However, due to its density, this type of a spray foam insulator works best when it comes to noise absorption, moisture resistance and air resilience.
Closed-cell insulation works best when filled inside wall cavities, floorboard gaps and ceiling cracks. Due to its water resistant nature, it also works efficiently to provide external insulation.
Consider all such factors before insulating your house to save money in the future!