Did you know that 10% of your heating or cooling costs stem from uninsulated floors? And that 25% is from uninsulated walls?
You should consider installing insulation if you want to reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills.
Several residential insulation materials are available on the market, so choosing the one that best suits your needs is essential.
Factors to Keep in Mind
Certain factors influence the effectiveness of your home’s insulation.
- The residential insulation R values
- How much insulation do you need?
- The type of your house’s heating and cooling system
- Where do you need to add insulation?
- The climate you live in
Below we have highlighted some of the best home insulation materials:
Rigid Fiberboard Insulation:
Rigid fiberboard insulation is made from fiberglass, rock wool, or slag wool. It is best suited for air ducts, whether metal or plastic. It is also effective in blocking noise and heat, making it ideal for use in walls that adjoin a noisy street or room. This insulation type has an R-value of R5.
Your HVAC contractor will install this type of insulation in the air ducts. They can use special weld pins with washers to fasten the insulation to duct surfaces on the outside.
Spray Foam Insulation:
Liquid foam insulation is made from polyurethane and is sprayed, injected, or poured onto surfaces. It is one of the best types of insulation for the attic and small spaces. It also effectively seals air ducts, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures to create practical air barriers.
The R-value of spray foam insulation ranges from R-6.5 to R-12.6, depending on whether it’s open or closed-cell foam. Another factor that affects the R-value is the thickness of the foam.
Blanket Insulation:
Rockwool, cellulose, fiberglass, and natural fibers are types of blanket insulation. This type of insulation is available in batts or rolls. It’s often used to insulate unfinished walls, ceilings, and floors.
Batts and rolls are available in several widths to accommodate the usual spacing of wall studs, attic trusses, and floor joists. The R-value of blanket insulation varies depending on the type of material and its thickness. It starts from R-13 and can go up to R-21.
Cellulose Insulation:
Cellulose is a good option if you’re looking for organic home insulation choices. It’s made of recycled paper like newspapers and cardboard. These are treated with fire retardants and insecticides to protect against pests and heat.
Cellulose insulation is prone to moisture absorption. Therefore, residential insulators recommend reinstallation every five years. The pricing is higher than the traditional fiberglass insulation method. And you can expect more dust during installation, whether dry or wet blown cellulose.
Conclusion:
The installation technique and expertise make a noticeable difference in the performance of your residential insulation. Therefore, you must always work with your area’s best residential insulation contractors.
Exo Construction Group, serving Frisco, helps you with your home’s insulation and energy efficiency upgrades.
We provide comprehensive solutions to help you save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.