What are the Types of Building Insulation?

Building insulation is a construction material used to keep homes and commercial structures cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter. It is available in a wide variety of materials to meet the needs of any buyer. When comparing types of insulation products, consider things like cost, installation, regional climate and existing insulation levels in your home.

Types

Insulation is available in four basic varieties, including blankets, panels, loose-fill and liquid sprays. Fiberglass or cotton blankets are the most widely used type of insulation, and also one of the most versatile. Rigid foam panels can be made from polyurethane or polystyrene, and offer both structural and insulating properties. Loose-fill insulation is generally made from shredded newspaper or cardboard and is an economical material for insulating large areas. Spray versions are made from different types of foam and are usually installed in existing wall cavities.

R-values

When comparing different types of insulation, one thing to consider is the R-value, or thermal resistance of each material. Higher R-values are given to more effective products, while lower R-values indicate lower levels of insulation value. According to the Department of Energy's Energy Savers program, fiberglass and cotton blankets have an R-value between 2 and 3, while loose-fill products range from 3.6 to 4.3. Both rigid and spray foam have an R-value between 4 and 8.

Uses

Almost any part of a building can benefit from added insulation. Blankets or panels are often installed in exterior and interior walls to control noise and thermal transfer. Both of these materials also can be installed between roof or floor joists to insulate floors or ceilings. Rigid foam is often used on top of the roof deck to insulate metal roofs. Loose-fill products work well in hard-to-access areas such as crawl spaces and small attics. Spray foam is installed through tiny holes drilled into existing walls to add insulation without removing drywall.

Benefits

Proper use of building insulation can increase comfort levels in a home and help control humidity and condensation. It can also increase the energy efficiency of the home, which can lead to a reduction in utility bills. Improved energy efficiency also benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Considerations

While more effective types of insulation often come with higher price tags, this higher cost must be weighed against the potential energy savings over time. One should also include installation, maintenance and lifetime replacement costs into purchasing decisions. Climate, air quality levels, ventilation needs and air leaks in the home should also be considered when choosing insulation.

References

• Guide to Home Insulation
• Energy Savers--Types of Insulation
• Where to Insulate in a Home