The Advantages of Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass can be used in a variety of insulation applications.

Your home's insulation creates a comfortable environment by slowing the loss or gain of heat. The most common type of insulation used is fiberglass. It is made by spinning molten glass into fibers. The glass used in production is typically 20 to 30 percent post consumer glass content so it is partially environmentally friendly. This material is formed into batts, boards or loose fill applications.

Low Cost

Fiberglass is the most used insulation type in modern residential homes. This is due to its low cost and versatility. A typical square foot of fiberglass will cost approximately 43 cents. For comparison purposes mineral wool is 51 cents a square foot and spray foam insulation's can range from $1.14 to $ 1.82 a square foot. Fiberglass is easy to install, which also contributes to its overall low cost of ownership.

Versatility

There is a type of fiberglass insulation available for almost all residential applications. For attics spaces it can be installed as loose fill or batts between the ceiling joists. For walls spaces, in between studs, you can use batts that fit snuggly between the wood. For exterior walls it is made in two types of board type products. One is designed for exterior walls above grade and the other is designed for insulating foundations below grade. Some fiberglass products have a foil fastened to its exterior, which improves its resistance to energy transfer is some situations.

Combustability and Water Resistance

Fiberglass insulation itself is not combustible. Some of manufacturers uses binders to join the glass fibers that is combustible, but overall this type of insulation resists burning. Fiberglass insulation will loose some of its R-value if it is compressed by absorbing water or mechanical damage. As the fiberglass drys, it will recover most of the lost R-value because it will expand to retain its width. Other insulation, such as cellulose, are permanently damaged by contact with moisture.

R-value

Fiberglass insulation has a competitive R-value to other types of insulation within its cost range. The R-value is a rating of a materials resistance to the transfer of energy (heat and cold) across its width. It is typically rated per inch of thickness for comparison reasons. Fiberglass loose fill has an R-value per inch of 3.0. Fiberglass batts have an R-value per inch of 3.2 and fiberglass boards have an R-value per inch of 4.3. In a typical 2-by-6-inch exterior wall, fiberglass provides up to R-18 of insulation.

References

• Insualtion Guide: How Much Does Insulation Cost?
• David Darling: fiberglass insulation