Insulation is one of the most important elements of any house or residential building. It determines how your home reacts to the outside elements. Proper insulation will make your home warm and cozy in the winter, and cool in the summer.
That being said, not all insulation is created equal. There’s a difference in the insulation materials, but also the way insulation is applied. Here are the most common types of insulation used in residential homes.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation belongs to the more modern insulation solutions. It is used widely across the entire construction industry due to its flexibility. Spray foam insulation uses liquid polyurethane that expands on contact with air. Because of that, it’s the perfect solution for insulating tight spaces, non-standard wall designs as well existing structures that require additional insulation.
Another benefit of spray foam insulation is its relatively fast application. Once applied, it needs very little time to cure, allowing contractors to seal the walls soon after application. Spray foam technicians from asifoam.com/orange-county argue that spray foam insulation isn’t usually something individual homeowners can apply in a DIY manner. This type of insulation requires specialized machines, PPE equipment, and knowledge of application methods.
The foam applied through spray foaming can feature an open cell or a closed-cell design. The former is cheaper to apply, while the latter is more expensive but also more efficient as an insulator. Spray foam insulation
Blanket Rolls
Blanket rolls are an extremely popular type of insulation that is often used in unfinished walls and areas that are easy to reach. The thing to remember about blanket rolls is that they are designed to fit standardized walls. In other words, they are meant to fit a predetermined, industry-standard area between wall studs or roof elements.
The installation process of blanket rolls is fairly simple. The insulation is tucked into the cavity between the studs and is then sealed in by interior wall elements such as sheetrock or any other interior wall solution.
As far as materials go, blanket rolls are usually made of mineral wool, natural wool, or other known insulators. When working with blanket rolls, make sure to use the appropriate PPE as some of the materials listed above produce residue that is extremely dangerous to breathe in.
Rigid Insulation Panels
Rigid insulation panels are probably among the most popular forms of insulation in houses and residential buildings. Rigid panels are used for both interior and exterior insulation. You’ll find them inside walls, as facade insulation, interior floor, and ceiling insulation, you name it. Most rigid insulation panels are made of polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyisocyanurate.
Overall, all variations of rigid insulation panels have shown to be very effective in keeping the heat in during colder weather and keeping the heat out in the middle of summer. One benefit of rigid insulation panels over more flexible alternatives is the amount of performance you get per volume. Rigid panels feature compressed foam that is dense but rather thin compared to some of the alternatives
Of course, you can choose the thickness of the panel you want to use, which will directly impact its performance. Thicker panels are more effective insulators, while thinner ones have their limits. The thickness of the insulator panel is chosen based on where you live and the type of climate you’re dealing with at different times of the year.
How to Choose The Right Type of Insulation?
Selecting the right type of insulation for your home depends on a number of factors. Are you constructing a new home, or adapting an existing structure? Is there already some insulation in the walls? How accessible is the area you’re trying to insulate?
These are just some of the questions you need to answer prior to picking insulation for your home. In most cases, you’ll be using a combination of everything listed above. That being said, you should consult a professional to get the most accurate info.
Insulation Is Worth It
Choosing the type of insulation should be secondary to having your home insulated. Not only will you be much more comfortable living in a home that has top-notch insulation, but you’ll be saving a lot of money as well.
Your electricity bill is a great way to tell how much you’re saving on energy alone. Make sure to follow the right procedure when installing insulation, use proper PPE, or simply hire experienced professionals to get the job done for you. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what kind of insulation you need.
