Types and Benefits of Home Insulation
When it comes to home insulation, there are many different options.
Each has its own set of pros and cons, and some are more useful in certain climates.
Whatever type you choose, its primary job is to keep your home cool in the summer - retaining your cool air conditioned air from escaping outside and keeping the hot outdoor air from making its way inside, and warm in the winter - retaining your home's heated air while keeping the cool outdoor air from getting inside.
The Important Factor The most important factor to consider when choosing home insulation is its R-value.
This value is represented by a number - the higher the number, the more effective the material is at retaining heat.
For homes in cold climates, a higher R-value helps keep your energy bills low by maximizing your energy efficiency.
Types in Home Insulation Many different materials are used to insulate various structures.
Depending on the year-round climate, some are more effective than others.
So, what types can we find? Fiberglass - This is the most common type found in houses all across the nation.
It's usually purchased in large rolls called batts, and its R-value is about 3.
2 per inch.
You'll usually find the fiberglass type placed between wall studs and roofing joists.
Foam - Foam provides the convenience of spray application.
It can be sprayed directly onto building surfaces and in between building crevices.
There it sticks to the wall and hardens, creating an extra barrier for heat to pass through.
Its R-value ranges between 4.
5 and 6.
5 depending on its materials.
Mineral Wool - With the flexibility of either being strung into batts or blown into ceilings and walls, mineral wool provides a versatile option.
Its R-value is about 3.
1 per inch.
Its fibrous material is created from steel slang and other chemicals that are all spun together.
Polystyrene - Although they are often combined with other types of insulating material, polystyrene boards offer an R-value of 4 or 5 when used on their own.
The boards are typically attached to the outer walls of a building, and then covered with another type of exterior building material.
Cellulose - You'd be surprised to learn that cellulose is basically a papier-mâché type of home insulation.
It's made from shredded paper (often newsprint) which is moistened into a pulped and sprayed into the house walls.
Its R-value ranks up there with fiberglass at about 3.
2 per inch.
The Benefits of a Well-Insulated House From saving money on your energy bills to helping the environment, there are many benefits that a properly insulated home can provide: Lower Energy Costs - When your house if properly insulated, cool air will be kept inside during the summer months and warm air will be kept inside during the winter months.
Your heating and cooling systems will run less.
Enjoying the Outdoors - During some times of the year, you may be able to open your windows during a cooler or warmer part of the day and let the fresh air cool or heat your house! Maintaining a Uniform Temperature - Your home will be kept at relatively the same temperature throughout the day since you won't be losing the indoor air or bringing in outdoor air.
Resale Value - Finally, great home insulation can lead to a faster resale time.
Each has its own set of pros and cons, and some are more useful in certain climates.
Whatever type you choose, its primary job is to keep your home cool in the summer - retaining your cool air conditioned air from escaping outside and keeping the hot outdoor air from making its way inside, and warm in the winter - retaining your home's heated air while keeping the cool outdoor air from getting inside.
The Important Factor The most important factor to consider when choosing home insulation is its R-value.
This value is represented by a number - the higher the number, the more effective the material is at retaining heat.
For homes in cold climates, a higher R-value helps keep your energy bills low by maximizing your energy efficiency.
Types in Home Insulation Many different materials are used to insulate various structures.
Depending on the year-round climate, some are more effective than others.
So, what types can we find? Fiberglass - This is the most common type found in houses all across the nation.
It's usually purchased in large rolls called batts, and its R-value is about 3.
2 per inch.
You'll usually find the fiberglass type placed between wall studs and roofing joists.
Foam - Foam provides the convenience of spray application.
It can be sprayed directly onto building surfaces and in between building crevices.
There it sticks to the wall and hardens, creating an extra barrier for heat to pass through.
Its R-value ranges between 4.
5 and 6.
5 depending on its materials.
Mineral Wool - With the flexibility of either being strung into batts or blown into ceilings and walls, mineral wool provides a versatile option.
Its R-value is about 3.
1 per inch.
Its fibrous material is created from steel slang and other chemicals that are all spun together.
Polystyrene - Although they are often combined with other types of insulating material, polystyrene boards offer an R-value of 4 or 5 when used on their own.
The boards are typically attached to the outer walls of a building, and then covered with another type of exterior building material.
Cellulose - You'd be surprised to learn that cellulose is basically a papier-mâché type of home insulation.
It's made from shredded paper (often newsprint) which is moistened into a pulped and sprayed into the house walls.
Its R-value ranks up there with fiberglass at about 3.
2 per inch.
The Benefits of a Well-Insulated House From saving money on your energy bills to helping the environment, there are many benefits that a properly insulated home can provide: Lower Energy Costs - When your house if properly insulated, cool air will be kept inside during the summer months and warm air will be kept inside during the winter months.
Your heating and cooling systems will run less.
Enjoying the Outdoors - During some times of the year, you may be able to open your windows during a cooler or warmer part of the day and let the fresh air cool or heat your house! Maintaining a Uniform Temperature - Your home will be kept at relatively the same temperature throughout the day since you won't be losing the indoor air or bringing in outdoor air.
Resale Value - Finally, great home insulation can lead to a faster resale time.
