Various types of insulation materials

Different Types of Insulation and Their Benefits

What Is Insulation?

Insulation serves as a material that reduces the transfer of heat, sound, or electricity. Whether you are constructing a new building or renovating an existing structure, there are many types of insulation to choose from. Quality insulation should maximize energy savings and reduce the transfer of heat in order to combat temperature extremes in the summer and winter. As a result, Energy Shield USA has compiled a list describing the many different options for insulation and the unique benefits they offer.

Types of Insulation:

  1. BLANKET INSULATION is an insulation made from fiberglass, mineral wool, or other materials and is available in rolls or batts.
    • APPLICATIONS
      • Use this type for unfinished walls including foundation walls, floors and ceilings by fitting them between studs, beams, and joists.
    • BENEFITS
      • Easy to install and does not require any special tools or equipment.
      • Ability to cut this insulation to fit around pipes, wires, and other building components, and secure in place with adhesive, nails, or staples.
      • Cost-effective option and is widely available at home improvement stores and online.
      • Environmentally friendly; made from recycled materials; ability to recycle after use
    • PROBLEMS
      • Not as effective at insulating against heat and cold as some other types of insulation.
      • Prone to settling over time, which can reduce its effectiveness.
  2. BLOWN-IN INSULATION is a type of insulation made from fiberglass, cellulose, or other materials. You can blow the material into a building’s walls, floors, or attic floors using special equipment.
    • APPLICATIONS
      • Enclosed existing walls, open spaces, or cavities in new walls.
      • Unfinished attic floors and other difficult-to-reach areas.
    • BENEFITS
      • Ability to blow into tight spaces or around pipes and wires.
      • Ability to add to an existing structure without the need for major renovations.
      • Blown-in insulation is a cost-effective option and is widely available at home improvement stores and online.
      • Environmentally friendly; made from recycled materials; ability to recycle after use
    • PROBLEMS
      • Requires special equipment to use.
      • More difficult to control the amount of insulation applied and may require multiple passes to achieve the desired level of insulation.
      • It is also more prone to settling over time, which can reduce its effectiveness.
  3. FOAM BOARD INSULATION, also known as rigid foam insulation, is a type of insulation made from polystyrene or polyurethane foam. You can easily cut the sheets or panels to fit around pipes, wires, and other building components.
    • APPLICATIONS
      • Primarily used in unfinished walls including foundation walls.
      • Normally used for new construction.
    • BENEFITS
      • Provides a high thermal resistance.
      • Effective at insulating against the transfer of heat and cold.
      • Ability to use in a variety of applications, including walls, floors, ceilings, and attic floor or rafters.
      • It is also resistant to moisture and can help to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home or building.
      • It is easy to install and does not require any special tools or equipment.
      • Ability to cut this insulation to fit around pipes, wires, and other building components, and secure in place with adhesive, nails, or staples.
      • Lightweight and easy to carry and handle, making it a convenient choice for do-it-yourself projects.
      • Environmentally friendly; made from recycled materials; ability to recycle after use.
    • PROBLEMS
      • Chemical emissions: When first installed, spray foam insulation, especially types made from polyurethane, may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can have an unpleasant smell and may cause respiratory problems in some people.
      • Fire risk: Foam board insulation generally resists fire, but it can burn when exposed to an intense heat source. In order to reduce the risk of a fire, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
      • Moisture issues: If foam board insulation becomes wet, it can lose its insulating properties and may even develop mold or mildew. It is important to ensure proper installation of the insulation and protect it from moisture.
      • Cost: Foam board insulation can be more expensive than other types of insulation, such as fiberglass or cellulose.
  4. SPRAY FOAM INSULATION is a type of insulation made from polyurethane or other foam materials that you can spray or inject into walls or other spaces. 
    • APPLICATIONS
      • Enclosed existing walls, new open wall spaces and unfinished attic floors.
    • BENEFITS
      • Highly effective at insulating against the transfer of heat and cold, and can help reduce energy costs.
      • Resistant to pests, such as mice and insects, and can help to prevent drafts and air leaks in a building’s structure.
    • PROBLEMS
      • Chemical emissions: When first installed, spray foam insulation, especially types made from polyurethane, may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can have an unpleasant smell and may cause respiratory problems in some people.
      • Over-expansion: It can expand beyond the intended area and cause structural damage to the building. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply the foam in the recommended amounts to avoid this problem.
      • Difficulty removing: May need special equipment or techniques to remove after application.
      • Cost: Spray foam insulation can be more expensive than other types of insulation, such as fiberglass or cellulose.
  5. RADIANT BARRIERS, REFLECTIVE FOAM, BUBBLE AND FABRIC are types of reflective materials that consist of highly reflective foil, foil-faced closed cell foam, polyethylene bubbles and foil-faced spun bond laminated to a polyethylene film. These materials reflect the transfer of heat, light, RFID or other forms of energy.
    • APPLICATIONS
      • Unfinished walls, ceilings, floors and attic floors or rafters.
      • Ability to fit between studs, joists, rafters, and beams.
      • Is great for framing at standard or irregular spacing or if there are obstructions.
    • BENEFITS
      • BLOCK 95% OF THE TRANSFER OF HEAT! While most insulations have an R-value that only slows down the transfer of heat, a reflective insulation system will reflect almost all the radiant heat. This provides a highly increased energy savings.
      • DIY: It is a true do it yourself.
      • Highly effective at preventing downward heat flow.
      • Ability to install along with other types of insulation.
    • PROBLEMS
      • May need an air space to increase effectiveness.
      • May be difficult to install in tight spaces.

Conclusion

There are several types of insulation materials that are effective at reducing thermal heat transfer, also known as thermal conductivity. In contrast, radiant barriers are a type of insulation that work by reflecting radiant heat away from a building, rather than by slowing down heat conduction through the use of a material with a high R-value. Ultimately the best insulation for you will depend on your budget, the location and structure of your building and also your specific insulation requirements.

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