If you are a homeowner, you understand how costly it can be to heat up your house in the winter, or to run your AC in the thick of the summer. This is why you ought to ensure your home insulation is top notch, free from any crevices and cracks between which air can escape. However, insulating your home does more than just reduce your utility bills.
Home insulation also prevents the condensation of moisture in your home, provides your home with acoustic treatment and even maximizes the return on investment if you decide to sell your home.
If you’re looking to insulate your home, and are torn between choices, this article will provide information that will help you choose the best insulation option for your home.
Spray Foam Insulation
This type of home insulation comes as a foam and is usually sprayed into place by insulation contractors. Spray foam insulation is very effective when applied to unfinished attic floors, sealing up cavities and cracks in the wall, and even on enclosed walls.
This type of insulation comes in two types: open-cell and closed-cell insulation. Closed-cell foam is incredibly effective because it has dense cells that are usually closed and filled with gas which causes the foam to expand and fit tightly into the holes around it.
Open-cell foam has cells that have much less density, and that are filled with air, giving it the soft texture of sponge. It is, therefore, very light, and easy to apply, but may be less effective than closed-cell spray foam. You mustn’t install it below ground level as it may absorb moisture, forcing you to make replacements.
Rolls and Batts
Batts and rolls are flexible insulating material made from such mineral fibers as fiberglass and rock wool. They are designed in such a way that they slip into the spaces between the wood frames. These insulation materials are used to control home temperatures, reduce the amount of money you spend on utility bills and even provide acoustic insulation.
Most batts and rolls products are made from plant-based, renewable and recyclable materials, making them environmentally friendly and sustainable.
These insulation options are each suited for specific areas in your home, though they are each just as effective. For example, if there are no obstacles in your ceiling, or if you have a wide ceiling space, the most suitable home insulation option for you would be the rolls. This is because they can be ‘rolled’ out between your ceiling joists.
However, if you have a tight ceiling space, or one with such obstacles as ventilation pipes and cables, rolls would get caught on these obstacles, hence wouldn’t be as effective. Batts would work perfectly under such circumstances.
Cellulose Insulation
This is an environmentally-sustainable home insulation option that is made from loose-fill biodegradable materials such as waste paper. During the manufacturing process, the cellulose is treated with chemicals to make it even more pest and moisture resistant. Cellulose has an absorbent form, meaning it can absorb enough moisture to compromise its functionality.
If you decide to use cellulose insulation, keep in mind that you ought to replace it regularly- once every five years, ideally. Cellulose insulation is installed either by blowing it into place or pouring it down. This makes it the best choice when insulating irregularly-shaped surfaces, or when working around obstacles.
Mineral Wool Insulation
This type of home insulation is also called rock wool insulation. Although it is rather similar to fiberglass, it is more expensive and doesn’t have its irritating quality. It also comes in loose-fill, hence can be poured out or blown onto a surface.
Mineral wool is designed to withstand incredibly high temperature level
Home insulation puts your home in a much more controlled temperature threshold. Most insulation companies even re-install your windows to make sure they are air tight, and no air is leaking into or out of your home. This helps provide comfort insulation, and prevents you from overworking your HVAC. It also keeps you from spending more than you have to on your heating and cooling costs.