As energy prices continue to rise, it pays to insulate. Adding more insulation to your home or building can put money in your pocket.
What is it?
Spray Foam
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Polyurethane foam insulation's ability to fill even the smallest cavities gives them twice the R-value per inch than traditional batt insulation.
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The foam mixture conforms to the shape of the cavity, filling and sealing it thoroughly.
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Following installation, an approved thermal barrier-such as drywall-must cover all foam materials.
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Liquid foam insulation also forms an air barrier. This can help eliminate some of the other costs and tasks associated with weatherizing a home, such as caulking, applying housewrap, vapor barrier, and taping joints.
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When building a new home, this type of insulation can also help reduce construction time and the number of specialized contractors, which saves money.
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Spray foam is becoming the most widely used insulation used in both residential and commercial projects.
Cellulose
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Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint.
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The proper R-value for cellulose is between 3.2 and 3.8.
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These small particles form an insulation material that can conform to any space without disturbing any structures or finishes.
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This ability to conform makes loose-fill insulation well suited for retrofits and for places where it's difficult to install some other types of insulation.
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It's retrofit capabilities allows it to act as an insect and rodent repellant.
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Another benefit to cellulose is its fire retardancy.
Fiber Glass
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Fiberglass is a type of blanket insulation, which is the most common and widely available type of insulation.
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Blanket insulations usually come in the form of batts or rolls.
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It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass.
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Manufacturers often attach a facing (such as kraft paper, foil-kraft paper, or vinyl) to act as a vapor barrier and/or air barrier.
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Standard fiberglass blankets and batts have a thermal resistance or R-values between R-2.9 and R-3.8 per inch of thickness.
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High-performance (medium-density and high-density) fiberglass blankets and batts have R-values between R-3.7 and R-4.3 per inch of thickness.
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The maximum thermal performance or R-value of blanket and batt insulation depends heavily on proper installation. Therefore, it's best to have a certified insulation installer do it.