5 Insulation Types That Get Results — If You Put Them In The Right Place
The proper insulation ensures that your home stays comfortable with the least amount of energy. The right insulation will also provide savings on heating and cooling. To choose among insulation types, consider where you want to insulate and the product’s R-value (which measures heat-flow resistance).
- Blanket batts, a cost-effective choice, is best used in unfinished walls during new construction or a renovation, since they must be properly fitted between the wall studs and ceiling joists. Blanket insulation is sized for standard stud spacing and comes with or without a facing. The facing acts as a vapor or air barrier. To achieve maximum energy savings, professional installation is necessary.
- Foam board insulation is usually installed between wall studs and the outside covering. It is made from polystyrene, which is molded or extruded into boards. Alternatively, it may be manufactured from polyisocyanurate and polyurethane and made into a thinner board. Because foam insulation is not fire retardant, building codes may require a fire barrier.
- Spray-foam insulation is a good choice for adding insulation to an existing structure because it can be blown into wall cavities or attic floors. It works well in areas that would be difficult to place other insulation types due to its irregular shape. Applied with a pressure sprayer, the mixture expands and hardens. Professional installation is required.
- Loose-fill insulation can also be easily applied to existing walls. It is made of recycled cellulose, fiberglass or mineral rock, each with a different R-value. Special equipment blows the insulation in through holes drilled in the walls or ceiling. Loose-fill insulation can settle and become less energy efficient,if the cavity is not completely filled.
- A reflective insulation system consists of a material such as paper, plastic or cardboard that is covered in a reflective foil. These materials are fitted between the studs and joist. It is the most effective insulation for preventing heat from flowing downward.
The key to maximizing energy savings with any insulation is to get professional advice and installation. Contact us at Symbiont Service Corp. today to get started.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about insulation types and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Symbiont Service Corp. serves Englewood, Florida and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our special offers and get started today!
Insulation Maintenance image via Shutterstock |
Stay In The Loop
Don't miss out! Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS Feed on Feed Burner and get our latest posts.