Consumers have access to many different types of home insulations. Efficient insulation will have a great effect on controlling temperatures in the home. Proper insulation can keep a home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Employing wall insulation, pipe insulation, basement insulation and attic insulation in a home can help curb gas and electrical use, resulting in lower gas and electric bills.
Popular Types of Insulation
Companies that install polyurethane insulation, polystyrene insulation, cellulose insulation, loose-fill insulation and fiberglass insulation are easily accessible to consumers. Handymen may opt to install insulation themselves; materials can be found at most home improvement stores. Others may choose to hire insulation contractors to handle installation.
Loose-fill insulation is made out of a fiberglass, mineral wood and shredded paper combination. Polyurethane insulation is available in a spray form that expands and is convenient for insulating small or difficult areas but also efficient at covering wide areas. It can also be purchased in rigid board form. Traditional fiberglass insulation is designed into thick rolls that are unrolled to fill an area. Loose fiberglass insulation is available also.
Insulation R-Value
“R-Value” refers to an insulator’s ability to block heat transfer. A high R-value would indicate better thermal insulation. Rolled fiberglass and blown foam insulations offer relatively high R-values for their thicknesses. However, foam insulation is generally thinner for the same R-value offered by roll insulation. While polyurethane foam insulations offer around 3.5 to 4.5 R-values per inch of material, fiberglass insulations typically offer between 3 and 4 R-values per inch of material. Polystyrene insulation features R-values in the range of 4 and 5 per inch of material. Loose-fill insulation R-values are typically around 3.5 per inch.
Information About Insulation
One drawback linked with polyurethane spray insulation is that the insulation’s R-value drops slightly over the years. Many types of insulation contain recycled materials and are recyclable themselves. Typical cellulose, blown-in insulation is fabricated out of approximately 75% recycled material. Many fiberglass manufacturers use around 35% recycled material in their fiberglass insulation.
Warnings About Insulation
Polyurethane foam insulation can be dangerous to handle. The toxic chemicals released during their installation can damage the lungs. Temporary blindness may result from extended eye exposure to polyurethane foam insulation; respirators and eye goggles should be worn at all times while installing or handling insulation. Chemicals within some insulations are easily absorbed into the body through the skin, which is why gloves are employed while installing certain insulations. Some insulations like blown foam insulation are highly flammable and should be kept away from open flames.
Sources:
Center for the Polyurethanes Industry: Health Effects
ESP Energy: Foam and Foam Board Insulation
Ask The Builder.com: Cellulose vs. Fiberglass
R-Value: Deciding the Best Insulation for Homes
Thomas Net: Dangers of Foam Insulation
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