Insulation is a critical component of any building to improve energy efficiency. It’s usually placed in areas where air escapes, including cavities in the attics and walls, reducing heat transfer, thus, promoting better temperature control.
Estimates show that adding proper insulation to key areas, such as crawl spaces, the basement, and the attic, may help you save about 15% on heating and cooling costs, which is 11% of the total residential energy cost.
That said, there are several types of building insulation for different applications. This article will be enumerating some of the common types of building insulation—both for existing and new construction—as well as some tips to ensure proper installation.
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Concrete Block Insulation
Did you know that it’s possible to insulate a block wall from within? Typically used in new construction buildings, concrete block insulation is the process of stuffing gaps within the concrete blocks with insulation material.
In general, insulation materials suitable for concrete block insulation include polystyrene beads, spray foam, or loose-fill insulation. It can also be used in combination with fiber cement boards for increased insulation. That said, you want to choose a reliable contractor, like Building Insulation Solutions supplier of quality fiber cement boards. Also, in terms of installation, this job is typically best left to your contractors during the construction process.
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Blanket Insulation
Blanket insulation is what most people think of when talking about insulation. This is the most common and standard insulation material available today, and can be found in either batts or rolls form. Blanket insulation got its name due to its blanket-like appearance and the fact that it covers areas that need insulation in a blanket-like manner.
In terms of installation, there are key differences in steps, depending on the form you choose. Insulation batts are easier to install since they’re already pre-cut. You only need to do minimal cutting to accommodate corners. Meanwhile, insulation rolls will require you to measure and cut them to fit well into desired spaces. That said, installing blanket batts is as simple as pushing them on wall studs and other cavities.
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Blown-In/Loose-Fill Insulation
As its name implies, blown-in insulation is a loose insulation material that’s ‘blown into place’ with a piece of special equipment. For existing buildings that weren’t built with insulated cavities, fibrous insulation material, such as cellulose, rock wool, or glass wool, is blown into the cavity until it fills the entire space.
This type of insulation is quick to install and is effective for spaces with limited access, such as gaps between cavity walls or roof joists, without disturbing the structures. It’s also especially useful in insulating crawl spaces, ceilings, and other hidden, smaller areas where standard insulation, like a blanket, won’t be suitable.
Unless you have the right equipment for the job, blown-in insulation is best left to the professionals. However, if you’re using it for a small-scale project, there’s a DIY route for that. You simply need to buy loose-fill insulation, cut, fluff it up, and apply the insulation by hand.
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Foam Board
Foam board, also known as rigid foam board, is an insulation material that’s often used during construction. It’s an effective solution for insulating roofs and foundations for under-construction buildings.
That said, foam boards can also be used in existing homes. In most cases, however, it’s not a practical solution. This is because you’ll need to tear down the area and build it with foam board, making it an expensive and time-consuming option. However, it can also be used to insulate studs of wood frame walls.
Installing rigid foam is easy and DIY-friendly. It’s available in varying sizes to help you cover expansive walls or smaller spaces. Also, most large sheets come with shallow cuts that allow you to simply snap them in half. You simply measure studs and cavities, then mark and cut the rigid foam. Install it into the space and seal the gaps with low-expanding spray foam sealant.
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Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is quite similar to loose-fill insulation in terms of installation. It uses a piece of special equipment to ‘spray’ liquid foam into areas that need insulation. The liquid foam will then expand, filling the space, and hardening over time. Once hardened, spray foam insulation will never lose its shape, sag, compress, or settle over time.
This type of insulation is suitable for both under-construction and existing buildings. As long as there are cavities and you have good access, you can spray the liquid foam to fill and insulate the area, including hard-to-reach spaces.
Spray foam can’t be installed on your own and will need professional installation since it requires specialized tools.
Takeaway
As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all insulation for all types of buildings. The right type of insulation will depend on several factors, including the space to insulate and budget. However, being well-informed on the distinctive characteristics of different insulation materials should help you choose the right one for your needs.
