What Kind of Insulation You Should Use for Your Home
When you have to decide what kind of insulation is best to protect your home, there are a few factors that need to be considered. Before you are set in stone with an insulation type, here is what you should keep in mind:
- Budget: Insulation costs varies by the material, as well as the method.
- Climate and location: It is important to understand how you want the airflow to be managed in your home.
- Project scope: Since all insulation is different, some requires wall removal while others can be applied without making any structural changes.
- How you are getting it done: Most applications can be doable for the homeowner, but some require a professional if the process is more complex.
Once you have figured out the components above, go ahead and consider the different types of insulation. Each type has its own benefit. This guide is to help decide which insulation will be the best value for you, reduce energy costs, and have a more efficient, eco-friendly home. Here are the most common types that are used in homes:
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is a high-density insulation material that has a higher R-value (measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through) than fiberglass. This type of insulation is a great option if you’re looking to block out noise and moisture. Most mineral wool is also fire-resistant and eliminates the need for materials to hold the insulation in place. A downside of this type of insulation is that it can be more costly than others and the installation process isn’t always the easiest.
Cellulose
Cellulose is a thick, dense, and a top eco-friendly pick that’s derived from plant sources. This insulation is budget-friendly, repels most insects, and does not require wall removal if the loose-fill option is chosen. The downsides of using cellulose insulation is that there is a higher risk of mold and mildew to form if it soaks up moisture.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass consists of extremely fine glass fibers that comes in batts/rolls, loose fill, rigid boards, and specialized duct insulation. Although it is not ideal for colder climates or first-time DIY homeowners, it’s a great option to reduce heat transfer and is a quick job for professional installation.
Spray Foam
Spray Foam is a chemical-based insulation that’s mixed at your home before it’s applied using a special sprayer. This is a better option for cold climates, resisting insects, water, & mold, and is suitable for older and newer homes. Using this kind of insulation can be difficult to install yourself and has a heftier price tag than other insulation options.
YBC offers different insulation products for both homeowners and contractors. If you are in need of installation services for insulation, look no further. Our trained insulation installers are skilled in installing both blown-in and batt/roll insulation into your new home or remodel project.