Tag: Home insulation
Installing fiberglass insulation could be one of the most efficient ways of lowering energy bills
by GrantS on Feb.27, 2010, under Home Improvement
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.
Our Helpful Suggestions for Choosing the Right Home Insulation
by GrantS on May.12, 2009, under Uncategorized
Your home’s walls may not give you the level of protection you need. Without additional material they will not give you the correct protection against weather, pests, and sound. You need something which can keep these things from entering your home.
Whlie there is insulation in most homes they are not all equal. Many older homes have fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass insulation is inexpensive but offers only limited protection against weather and high energy costs. You can also have negative health effects from exposure to fiberglass. Touching it can cause your skin to become sore and itchy and inhaling the small fibers of fiberglass can cause damage to your airways.
There is another option: spray foam insulation. This gives you another option. It creates the best possible barrier between your home and the outside. Spray foam consists of liquid polyurethane which will firm up when it is put onto your walls. Applying it as a liquid means that it can reach into every nook and crack in your walls. Fewer gaps means you have greater protection.
The thick barrier made by spray foam insulation makes it difficult for insects and pests to come into your home. Spray foam insulation will not move around once it is installed and cannot be torn or chewed through like fiberglass. The texture of spray foam insulation also acts as a deterrent for bugs who would like to enter your home. It also deters the growth of mold which can do serious damage to your home. Spray foam insulation also gives you good sound protection. Loud noises will be dampened by its thick surface. Spray foam insulation is a great idea for walls, ceilings, and floors. This gives you a nice sound barrier between floors. Spray foam insulation can reduce your energy costs since it offers increased protection. Many people these days are looking for good ways to reduce their energy consumption and spray foam can be part of the green solution.
Practical Tips For Buying The Proper Home Insulation
by GrantS on May.06, 2009, under Uncategorized
You can reduce your energy bills and improve the comfort of your home by having the proper insulation in place. Insualtion can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer since it prevents heat from moving in and out of your home.
The proper insulation can improve your home’s energy efficiency and significantly lower your cooling and heating bills. When your home insulation is combined with an airtight structure it can lower your costs even more. You will get the best results with insulation if you choose the correct type for your local climate and type of home.
The three most commonly used types of insulation are cellulose, rigid foam, and fiberglass roll insulation. Each of these types has advantages and disadvantages. There are many positive aspects of using fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass will not burn or shrink, it repels bugs, and it is made using silica which is widely available. There are some disadvantages to fiberglass insulation as well. One main disadvantage of using fiberglass is that it can cause health problems. Fiberglass has been linked to both respiratory problems and cancer. The dangers are different for various fiberglass products so it is a good idea to do some research on the safest brands and types.
Cellulose insulation is produced mainly from recycled newspapers, and sometimes recycled cardboard. It is a green product that is readily available. It does not come with any of the health risks that are associated with fiberglass. The main con of the use of cellulose for insulation is that it can hold moisture and will grow mold.
Rigid foam insulation has some of the highest R values out there. It is produced from a variety of polymers and is resistant to water. The three most commonly found types of rigid foam insulation are expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, and polyiscocyanurate. Each of these will be rated differently for both environmental concerns and R value.