Perth Insulation is the most popular type of home insulation and can be found in walls, floors, and ceilings. It is typically placed between wall studs, ceiling joists, and beams in new construction, providing a crucial barrier to heat loss and gain. Additionally, it is commonly used in retrofit projects to improve energy efficiency. Moreover, fiberglass is available in different forms—including batts and loose-fill—enabling installers to tailor installation methods to specific building requirements.
Made from glass, sand, and recycled materials, fiberglass insulation is a safe and affordable option for homeowners and DIYers. It is also environmentally friendly, utilizing up to 40% recycled glass content and saving more than 100 times the amount of energy needed to manufacture it over 20 years.
The raw ingredients used in the production of fiberglass insulation are carefully selected and combined to create a highly effective product. The process begins with melting glass, which is then spun into strands of tiny, durable glass fibers that are coated with a liquid binder. Once these are cooled, they are woven together into an insulation product that contains up to 60% recycled content.
The trapped air pockets in fiberglass insulation help to slow the transfer of heat from warm areas to cool ones, effectively insulating the structure and maintaining a comfortable temperature. Furthermore, fiberglass is naturally sound-absorbent, significantly reducing the transmission of noises throughout the home. Lastly, it is noncombustible and helps builders comply with fire codes.
Despite its numerous benefits, homeowners should be aware that fiberglass insulation has some drawbacks. Due to its susceptibility to moisture absorption, it can lose its R-value over time if it becomes damp or wet. Additionally, handling fiberglass can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. The tiny glass fibers can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if they are inhaled or come into contact with the body, making it necessary to use protective equipment like gloves, masks, and goggles during insulation installation and removal.
Additionally, the low R-value of fiberglass insulation compared to alternatives like spray foam and rigid foam boards may make it less appealing for some homeowners. While the lower R-value of fiberglass can be offset by precise installation, it is still something to consider when determining which insulation is right for your home.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is a green and environmentally friendly product made from up to 85% recycled paper materials (primarily newspaper) and treated with borate for fire retardancy. It is one of the most versatile insulation products available and can be used in all types of homes, from new construction to retrofits. Blown-in cellulose is also one of the most cost effective options for upgrading insulation in existing homes and can be used in wall cavities, attics and basements. It’s dense structure makes it a great sound dampening solution and offers a higher R-value than fiberglass batt insulation.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, cellulose is more durable than fiberglass insulation and is less susceptible to moisture problems. Cellulose is hygroscopic which means it can absorb and hold liquid water, but the borate treatment works to repel mold, mildew and pests. This helps it maintain its R-value longer than fiberglass insulation. However, if not properly sealed, cellulose can become wet and compressed over time leading to a reduction in its thermal performance.
If you have a home built before 1970, there is a good chance it has cellulose insulation. Cellulose is the most common insulation in older homes and is a great choice for retrofitting to improve energy efficiency and comfort. When installed by a professional, it is very effective in eliminating air leaks and sealing gaps around ducts, electrical wires and plumbing pipes that can contribute to costly home energy losses.
For installation, professionals remove a strip of siding about waist high and then drill a row of three-inch holes into each stud cavity. The cellulose is then blown in through these holes to fill the wall cavity. In new construction projects, cellulose can be either damp sprayed or installed dry behind netting.
Unlike other common insulation materials, such as fiberglass and cotton batt, cellulose can be installed in wall cavities without disturbing the drywall. It is also a perfect option for attics, where it can be blown in between joists to fill difficult-to-reach spaces and conform around ducts. Cellulose is also one of the most cost effective and sustainable insulation options when it comes to retrofitting old houses.
Rock Wool
Rock wool insulation is a natural product made of basalt rock and recycled steel-making byproduct called slag. This combination of materials allows it to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and offer an environmentally responsible alternative to other types of insulation. Additionally, it is resistant to fire, pests and mold, making it a smart choice for many home and commercial insulation projects.
When properly installed, rock wool will effectively stop the flow of heat in your house, keeping you cooler and saving you energy costs. Its dimensional stability resists compression, which can occur in other types of insulation such as fiberglass, and its water repellent properties prevent moisture damage and the growth of mildew or mold.
Like other types of insulation, rock wool comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different applications. It may be shaped into mats or compressed into boards and can also be blown into spaces to form loose-fill insulation. During the manufacturing process, additives can be added to improve specific qualities of the final product such as fire resistance or water repellency.
In addition to improving the energy efficiency of your house, rock wool is an excellent sound insulator and can reduce the amount of noise that escapes from room to room. It is also a very durable insulation option, and can remain intact for decades without losing its R-value.
When installing rock wool insulation, it is important to follow proper safety precautions to limit airborne dust and particulates that can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Proper facial protection, adequate site ventilation and mechanized cutting tools are essential to minimize inhalation risks.
The most common installation method for rock wool is to cut it to the required size and then staple or glue it into place using heavy-duty construction adhesives. It is also possible to use a spray on application for very difficult areas that are not easily accessible.
One of the main reasons why rock wool insulation is more expensive than similar products such as fiberglass and cellulose is that it requires additional reinforcement to handle its weight. While this extra cost can add up, the long-term savings of this type of insulation can make it a great investment.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation, also known as sprayed polyurethane foam or SPF, is used as an alternative to fiberglass. It is sprayed on the surface of roof tiles, concrete slabs, or into holes drilled into wall cavities in order to minimize air infiltration and increase thermal insulation. Its two primary compounds, isocyanate and polyol resin, come together at the tip of a gun, forming an expanding foam which can conform to the structure of the building being insulated.
Spray insulation can be applied to new and old homes, pole barns, and commercial buildings. It is highly recommended that existing insulation be removed before applying the spray foam, but this is not always required in the case of a new construction home or commercial building.
Foam insulation can help to reduce energy consumption. By keeping conditioned air trapped inside the home, it prevents the need for heating and cooling systems to run as often or at higher settings, which can significantly cut energy bills. This will make it easier to save money on electricity bills, especially in North Carolina’s hot summers and cold winters.
In addition to its insulating benefits, foam insulation can be used to protect metal structures and equipment such as machinery, electrical panels, and piping. Foam can be sprayed directly onto the metal structures and can conform to their unique shapes and sizes in order to effectively cushion them. It is highly water-resistant and can help to limit the amount of moisture that may enter the building, which could lead to corrosion.
The foam can be used to seal gaps and crevices in the structure of a building, and it can even be sprayed onto the surfaces of metal doors and windows to prevent unwanted drafts. Additionally, the material can be sprayed into crawl spaces to help to prevent water leakage and moisture buildup.
Like all forms of insulation, foam can significantly reduce a property’s utility costs by preventing the loss of warm or cool air. It can also provide a sound barrier, which will minimize noise in the home or office, as well as reduce the possibility of mold and mildew growth on surfaces and within the walls of the house or metal shed.