Home insulation is not a one-size-fits-all deal. What kind of home you have and which climate zone you live in affects your choice of insulation material. Insulation is most often needed to control temperature inside your home and help save on utility bills. But insulation can also help with things like fire protection and soundproofing.
So, which is the best insulation if they all sound so crucial to a comfortable, energy-efficient home?
In this blog, we’ll compare and contrast all the different types of home insulation. You can be sure that after a full inspection, USA Insulation’s experts will recommend the best insulation material to meet your needs.
Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation is blown, or sometimes, sprayed into place.
Typically, loose-fill consists of fiberglass and loose mineral wool. It can be used in hard-to-reach places or oddly-shaped areas. Keep in mind that loose-fill insulation is not the cheapest insulation material, nor is it the most expensive.
Loose-fill is also environmentally friendly, made mostly from recycled newspapers, but it does not insulate as well as foam. It might also settle over time, and mold might form if it gets wet.
Insulation Rolls
Insulation rolls, made from special batting materials, are rolled out between wall and ceiling framing. They roll out in long continuous pieces, so there are fewer gaps in installation. Not only can insulation rolls be a cheaper option, you can also install them yourself (though we always recommend professional installation for best results).
Insulation rolls are used for long and continuous places, like unfinished walls, floors, or ceilings. On the other hand, insulation batts, while made of the same material as rolls, only come in pieces. They’re easier to handle since they come in smaller pieces and have about the same R-value as rolls.
Foam Board Insulation
One of the most common insulation types, foam board has a high R-value (meaning it is highly resistant to heat flow), and you can use it almost anywhere. Foam board is rigid, unlike other forms of home insulation, and is also a tad more expensive.
It can be used to insulate your roof, walls, or even your home’s foundation, Its high R-value greatly resists heat flow, so it’s one of the more common choices for colder climates. It also slows heat conduction by using wood or steel studs.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a liquid latex that spreads and then hardens and is used in open wall cavities. Special equipment is needed to install it.
You can choose from two types of spray foam insulation. Open-cell foam has a smaller R-value and is less expensive than closed-cell foam, while the closed-cell foam is denser, with a higher R-value. Whichever one you pick, be careful of where you apply it, since it can damage electrical wiring if not used correctly.
Wall Injection Foam Insulation
Injection foam insulation is used on closed wall cavities to retrofit existing homes. USA Premium® Wall Foam can be installed from the outside no matter what the exterior surface:
- Shingle
- Brick
- Vinyl siding
- Block
- Stucco
- Aluminum Siding
Insulation installers inject it into walls to quickly fill crevices and small spaces that other insulation cannot reach. The foam has a shaving cream like consistency which allows it to flow freely through the wall cavity. The foam can get around and behind wires, pipes, and outlets to provide more energy efficiency. When the foam is installed, it then hardens into a solid but lightweight barrier to keep heat or air conditioning inside your home.
USA Premium® Wall foam insulation is a proprietary insulation product with a high R-value, which makes it more efficient than other insulation products. It is an eco-friendly product that improves indoor air quality and provides fire and smoke protection, too.
While there is are many types of insulation, all are not created equal. If you still have questions about choosing the best insulation solution, you can contact USA Insulation today to talk to an experienced installer, and schedule a free home insulation inspection.
