Insulation is a big part in building a house or owning a home. First, it keeps the living quarters of your house warm in cool weather, and cool in warm weather. Second, home insulation facilitates proper ventilation as air inside the house only circulates throughout the inside of the house… and not escape outside. Third, it helps you save your money on bills that are a result of poor quality home insulation materials and installation Quality insulation enables you to use less of the heater in winter and the air conditioner in summer.

 

There are different insulation types that are available. These are used in different combinations in a house to keep it properly insulated. In this selection, we will get to know four insulation types: blanket insulation, rigid board insulation, loose-fill insulation, and spray foam insulation.

 

  • Blanket insulation

 

Blanket insulation, also known as batt insulation, is the most common type of insulation available. It consists of flexible fibers usually made of fiberglass, rock wool, plastic fiber, or natural fibers. The blankets are found to be stored in blanket rolls, hence the name. These rolls are hand-cut and trimmed to fit. This insulation type is for ceilings, walls, and floors. Installation of this kind of insulation costs the cheapest of the four, but it takes a careful eye to successfully install this and become useful.

 

  • Rigid board insulation

 

Rigid board insulation use polyurethane, polystyrene, or fiberglass as insulating home material, and is acts as both insulation and structural support for the home. This type provides thermal resistance and minimizes heat conduction. Rigid board insulation is also found in churches, recording studios, and other commercial areas that also need to trap sound. The boards are covered with drywall or a moisture barrier to protect from the elements.

 

  • Loose-fill insulation

 

Loose-fill insulation consists of materials – both small and fibrous – such as fiberglass, cellulose, and rock wool. This insulation conforms to the shape of the insulated area, thus making this the ideal insulation for areas where other types of insulation may fail. This is the most expensive type of house insulation available but is the most effective. Its ability to conform to the shape inside a wall makes it a good insulator for both heat and sound inside a house.

 

  • Spray foam insulation

 

Spray foam insulation is best used in small, detailed insulation problems where conformity to both size and shape is nonexistent. This type is a combination of polymer and foam agents. When applied to an area, the foam expands as it hardens, therefore covering the area. It performs better than the blanket insulation because the foam doesn’t allow air to pass through the area.

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