When you are deciding to build a new home or remodel your current one, there are many decisions you need to make. How you decide on many of these important questions will dramatically change the outcome of your project. For example, one builder might recommend building a craftsman home while the other might suggest a more gothic style.

One decision that needs to be made is what type of insulation you are going to use. Though it does not have a big visual effect on your home, it will have unseen effects that you can feel like the temperature of your home. Choosing the right insulation can make a huge difference on your electric bill and safety of your house.

One important consideration is the R-Value of the insulation. The R-value measures the insulations thermal resistance, or the effectiveness of the insulation. The higher the R-value the better the insulation. Here is a brief list of the five commonly used insulation types to help you decide what will work best for you.

BLANKET INSULATION

Fiberglass is the most common type of blanket insulation. Fiberglass is made from microscopic strands of glass that have been woven together. It is a non flammable material making it a great choice for all projects.

With an R-value of R-2.9/inch to R-3.5/inch depending on quality, you will be able to protect yourself in most climates with only a couple of inches of insulation.

The only real downside to fiberglass is that it can be dangerous to handle without the proper safety equipment. Because it is made from micro strands of glass, shards can be formed. These shards can damage your skin, eyes and lungs. Take care of yourself and use the proper safety equipment when working with fiberglass.

FOAM BOARD INSULATION

If you are building a structure in a climate with a lot of rain, polystyrene may be a good option for you. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) has a few great attributes, as it’s both waterproof and a great heat insulator. Polystyrene usually comes in block form, making it easy to install.

Polystyrene also provides excellent sound insulation. If you are building a house close to an interstate with a lot of sounds, polystyrene will help insulate your home from the sounds of the outside world.

By itself, polystyrene is flammable. After installing the insulation in a home or office, it is recommended to coat it in a fire retardant. A one block thick wall has an R-value of about R-4 to R-5.5 depending on quality.

BLOWN-IN AND LOOSE-FILL INSULATION

There are different types of blown-in or loose-fill insulation. The three most common types are cellulose, fiberglass and mineral wool. Blown-in or loose-fill is one of the most eco-friendly options on the market as this insulation is usually made from recycled material. Blown-in insulation has an R-value between R3.1/inch to R3.7/inch depending on quality.

SPRAYED FOAM INSULATION

Sprayed foam insulation is the best of the best. Often referred to as liquid foam, the insulation is usually a little more expensive than the traditional blanket insulation. Sprayed foam is available in two main types, open-cell and closed-cell foam.

Closed-cell foam has a much higher density than open cell. With an R-value around R-6.2/inch, closed-cell foam is much more effective than open-cell foam which only has an R-value around R-3.7/inch.

Closed-cell foam releases a gas while the insulation is applied, and the gas helps the foam expand to fill the area around it. The cells are often much tighter together causing the foam to be much denser than open cell foam.

When you have decided on what you would like to do, or if you have any questions about what type of insulation would be best for you, contact the professionals at Spray Foam Tech, LLC. We’ve been family owned and operated since 2003, and we have proven time and time again our superior ability to provide top quality service.