Question 1

What Are Good Insulation Materials ?

Accepted Answer

Deciding to insulate your home is a win-win; you’ll be more comfortable, plus at the same time, you’ll save energy. Now learn about 5 good insulation materials so you can select the best one for your house.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass has been used as home insulation for many years. Made from ultrathin glass fibers, it is available in several forms: rolls,batts, boards, duct insulation, and loose fill (“blown-in”).
R-value per inch: R-2.9 to R-3.8.
Mineral Wool
Also made of superfine fibers, mineral wool consists of either slag wool (manufactured from blast furnace waste) or rock wool (from metals such as basalt). Both types are fire-resistant and composed mainly of recycled content. Sold as batts, rolls, or loose fill.
R-value per inch: R-2.8 to R-3.5.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation contains a high percentage of recycled paper, shredded into fiber. It is installed in the form ofblown-in loose fill. Due to its high paper content, cellulose must be pretreated with a chemical fire retardant.
R-value per inch: R-3.1 to R-3.7.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane insulation has two types: rigidboards and spray foam. It is lightweight, water-permeable, and fire-resistant.
R-value per inch: 6.3 (however, this decreases somewhat with the passage of time).
R-value of low density foam: stable at 3.6.
Polystyrene
Varieties of polystyrene include extruded (the material we know as Styrofoam) and expanded. Typically used in block form, polystyrene insulates against both temperature and noise.
R-value per inch of extruded (XEPS): R-5.5.
Expanded (EPS): R-4.

Question 2

What Is The Best Insulation For Walls ?

Accepted Answer

Applying insulation to your exterior walls helps tremendously in boosting your home’s energy efficiency, especially when you own an older house . But what is the best kind?
Look For These Qualities
AppropriateR-value.
R-valuerefers to a substance’s resistance to transmitting heat. Popular wall insulation materials have R-values from about R-3 to R-4 per inch.
Resistance to fire.
To keep your home safe, look for fire-resistant insulation. Flammable insulation will need to be covered with a fire-resistant material like drywall.
Resistance to insects and moisture.
Insulation should resist moisture and infestation by termites and other pests, particularly when it is installed below grade.
Forms Of Insulation

Blanket batt or roll.
These flexible insulation types are available at a reasonable price. They’re designed to easily fit standard wall measurements between wall studs. The roll form is slightly trickier to use since it needs to be cut to the right length.
Spray foam or blown-in insulation.
Although it’s rather pricey andmore complex to use, spray foam is great for insulating difficult-to-reach or oddly-shaped areas of your home. Blown-in insulation must be applied with a special machine; however, the plus is that it can be used in just about any type of space.
Rigid foam.
In board or panel form, rigid foam is excellent for insulating unfinished surfaces such as basement or foundation walls.

Reflective (radiant) barrier.
This type of insulation is beneficial in warm weather, because its reflective action directs heat away from your home.

Question 3

What Are The Benefits Of Insulation ?

Accepted Answer

Insulating your house is a practical home improvement with many advantages. Either installed at the time of construction or retrofitted, insulation will help reduce your carbon footprint and make your home a more comfortable place to live.
Find out the benefits of insulation here:
1. Increase energy efficiency. Insulation acts as a barrier that works for you two ways. In winter, it keeps heated air inside (and cold winds out). In summer, that pattern is reversed, as your insulation prevents cooled air from escaping. You’ll stay cozier while using less heating or cooling.
2. Cut utility bills. It’s expensive to run your A/C or furnace. When you make your house more energy-efficient with insulation, less electricity or other fuel will be needed. The results will show up in savings on your utility bills.
3. Reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system. You’ll also save cash another way: Your HVAC system tends to last longer and require fewer repairs if it is not overused. That means more time before you have to spend money to replace it.
4. Enjoy a healthier home. The comfortable temperature of a well-insulated home helps to keep your family healthy. What’s more, it reduces the amount of mold spores and pollen in the ambience, which improves your indoor air quality.
5. Add home value. A good insulation job is not exactly glamorous. However, when you put your home up for sale, it works as a big plus in attracting energy-smart buyers.

Hometips about Insulation

What Are Good Insulation Materials ?

What Is The Best Insulation For Walls ?

What Are The Benefits Of Insulation ?

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Hometips about Insulation

What Are Good Insulation Materials ?

What Is The Best Insulation For Walls ?

What Are The Benefits Of Insulation ?

Find a Contractor Near Me

We make it our mission to find you the leading home improvement contractors in the industry.

Projects by Cities

Our Partners

We make it our mission to find you the leading
home improvement contractors in the industry.