Home insulation is vital in safeguarding your house and saving energy bills. So it is essential to educate ourselves about the different insulation types available. No two types of insulation are the same or equal.
While insulation indianapolis in can vary in quality, that’s not how the types are categorized. Instead, each type is meant to be used for a particular purpose or application.
Properly insulating your home can save you several dollars and reduce energy consumption. You can contact professional insulation services to get things done. Before that, here is a quick sneak peek into the 5 Types of Insulation all homeowners should know.
Blanket Batt and Roll Insulation
Insulation made of batts and rolls is the most commonly used insulation type. Such insulation blankets are usually made of fiberglass, natural and plastic fibers. It is an inexpensive insulation type and is best used in walls, ceilings, and floors.
Pros
- Easily available
- Affordable
- Simple to install
Cons
- Pre-cut sizes are only available; customization is difficult
- Such customization will cause compression and reduce its quality
- Has less R-value per inch
Spray Foam and Foamed-In-Place Insulation
Spray foam is best for places where it is hard to reach. Here is how it works - Liquid spray, when sprayed or poured, expands and fills the available space. It has a higher R-value and can easily fill many cracks and gaps. But mind you, this effectiveness comes with a heavier price.
Pros
- It can be used for spaces where it is hard to reach
- Quickly and effectively seals gaps and cracks
- Has high R-value
- 2X effective as batt insulation
- Reduces sound transmission
Cons
- Expensive than the other types
- It cannot be insulated by DIY methods
- Since it needs a professional contractor, installation costs will be added.
Structural Insulated Panels
Structured insulated panels are two pieces of OSB (Oriented strand board) with a thick piece of foam in between. Such a structure makes them provides strength and insulation for open wall spaces. In addition, they can block out high-frequency sounds. Since they are best for open walls, installers can easily install them for an entire wall and roof section without much trouble or time.
Pros
- High R-value per inch
- Easy to install
- Come in 8 by 24 feet, covering walls and roofs
- Saves energy up to 12%
Cons
- Sometimes you need to cut the foam in between, but that reduces efficiency
- Not pest proof
Radiant Barrier Insulation
Radiant barrier insulation works differently from other types. It works by reflecting heat, as opposed to resisting heat flow. Since it reflects heat, it does not have its own R-value. It reflects heat instead of absorbing heat. This makes it best to be used in locations with hotter weather.
Pros
- Best to use to cool attics
- Suitable for wrapping ductwork and pipes
- Can be effective in reducing cooling costs
- Easy and simple to install
Cons
- Can easily underperform because of issues like increased dust
- Not suitable as standalone insulation. It works better with foam insulation.
Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation
This fluffy-looking insulation type is either made as loose-fill or broken into smaller shreds. Made of recycled materials like cellulose or fiberglass, and is used for hard-to-reach spaces. Best for new wall cavities, crawl spaces, or existing attic floors.
Pros
- Environmental Friendly
- Easy and effective in small areas and hard-to-reach spaces
- Can be re-used and re-located
Cons
- Needs proper sealing; if not, it is susceptible to mold.
