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Fiberglass insulation is the most popular insulation material for either commercial or residential projects. Its high R rating and simple installation are the most important reasons fiberglass is superior to the several available insulation products.

The term R rating defines the ability of a material to prevent heat transfer; the insulation will work more effectively the greater its R rating. Insulation with higher R ratings will help to keep the heat in the house and reduce your overall energy costs. Different areas of the country will have different R rating requirements, and will surely need different types of insulation. You will not require a high R value insulation if you reside in a very warm climate. You will see the most benefit from high R value products in colder climates, as it is the most effective insulation at preventing heat loss.

Because it is a member of the “loose-fill” insulation category, fiberglass is ”squashable” enough to squeeze into the smallest of spaces and also cover the larger areas of walls and attics. Fiberglass insulation is made using glass that has been melted and then spun into fibers. Using recycled glass for much of the raw materials makes fiberglass insulation a reliable and eco-friendly product. These fibers are then packaged as either rolls (utilizing a foil paper) or loosely bagged “blow-in” insulation.

The most popular type of insulation used in residential construction is fiberglass blankets, which are usually sold in widths perfect for fitting into the space between joists and between wall studs. The large, pink rolls of fiberglass insulation have become a common sight.

Blown in insulation is preferable for areas where accessibility is nearly impossible, such as eaves and irregular crawl spaces. With this type of insulation, small pieces of fiber are literally blown into the area using specialized equipment. To help stop settling, which could lessen its effectiveness, a lot of the blow-in products come with a special adhesive that keeps everything in place.

Another looming problem with blow-in fiberglass is the mess. If you rile up the stuff, it will wind up in places you don’t want it, like on the floor and in your lungs and down your shirt. Therefore, if you plan on using your attic as a storage space, it would be best to use the pink rolls and then cover the joists with plywood. This will have the added benefit of further insulating the house. You can also box in the blow-in fiberglass, but working with the rolls is just so much easier, quicker, and less expensive.