At Insulation Hamilton we know that insulation is critical for keeping your home at a reasonable temperature and lowering energy expenditures.
Numerous forms of insulation are available, each with its own distinct qualities and benefits.
Choosing the correct type of insulation for your home might be difficult, but with some knowledge, you can make an informed selection that can benefit you for years to come.
This post will go through the many types of insulation available and how to choose the best one for your home.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most frequent types of home insulation. It is made of glass fibers and is available in batts or rolls for easy installation on walls, floors, and ceilings.
Fiberglass insulation is inexpensive and widely available, making it a popular choice for frugal homes.
Fiberglass insulation has the advantage of being fire-resistant, which can assist in safeguarding your property in the event of a fire.
However, fiberglass insulation can emit toxic fibers into the air if not appropriately built, causing respiratory difficulties.
When installing fiberglass insulation, wearing protective clothing and a mask is critical to avoid inhaling these fibers.
Insulation made of cellulose
Cellulose insulation from recycled paper is an environmentally beneficial alternative for homeowners.
It is blown into walls, floors, and ceilings with special equipment, making it simple to install in difficult-to-reach spaces.
To make cellulose insulation fire-resistant, it is treated with fire retardants, although these chemicals can be dangerous if inhaled.
One benefit of cellulose insulation is that it lowers energy expenditures.
It provides superior insulation to fiberglass insulation since it has a higher R-value per inch.
Cellulose insulation is also insect and rat resistant, which can help protect your property.
Insulation made of foam
The most expensive type of insulation is foam insulation, but it is also the most effective at lowering energy expenses.
Foam insulation comes in two varieties: open-cell and closed-cell.
Open-cell foam insulation is less expensive and is typically used on interior walls and ceilings.
Closed-cell foam insulation is more expensive than open-cell foam insulation but provides superior insulation and is generally used for exterior walls and roofs.
One advantage of foam insulation is that it is simple to install and can be sprayed into difficult-to-reach places like attics and crawl spaces.
(Learn more about attic insulation by reading The Ultimate Guide to Attic Insulation or spray foam with The Ultimate Guide to Spray Foam Insulation).
It creates an airtight seal, preventing air leaks and lowering energy expenses.
On the other hand, foam insulation necessitates professional installation because the foam might emit dangerous vapors during installation.
Insulation that is blown in
Blown-in insulation is the insulation that is blown into walls, floors, and ceilings with the use of specific equipment.
It is constructed of fiberglass or cellulose and is an excellent technique to insulate difficult-to-reach locations.
Blown-in insulation is simple to install and provides sound insulation.
Blown-in insulation has the advantage of being able to insulate existing walls without the requirement for demolition. It’s also insect and fire-resistant, which can help protect your property.
Blown-in insulation, on the other hand, might settle with time, reducing its efficiency.
It is critical to inspect it regularly to verify that it still provides enough insulation.
Selecting the Best Insulation for Your Home
The correct insulation for your home is determined by many criteria, including your budget, the environment in which you reside, and the portion of your home that you wish to insulate.
If you’re new to the Southern Ontario climate, consider insulation with a higher R-value, which evaluates the ability of the insulation to resist heat movement.
When insulating an attic or crawl space, use a different type of insulation than when insulating walls.
Connect with us today and we will help guide you through the process for your home!