Home insulation is an important part of home maintenance and renovation that may dramatically improve your home’s comfort while conserving energy and lowering your electricity bills. With so many insulation materials on the market like spray foam insulation, rockwool pipe insulation, fibreglass insulation, etc, deciding which is best for your home can take time and effort.
Proper dry lining insulation services from professionals such as Galaxy Insulation help you keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Also, providing a comfortable indoor environment all year. This post will discuss the five best types of home insulation and their benefits.
The Top 5 Types of Home Insulation
Fibreglass Insulation
Fibreglass insulation is one of the most common and widely utilised types of home insulation compared to other types like acoustic floor insulation, Rockwool insulation, etc. It is formed of fine glass fibres woven into thin, flexible batts or blankets between the framework of your walls, floors, and ceilings. Fibreglass insulation is available in various R-values, quantifying the material’s heat flow resistance. A higher R-value translates to better insulation to keep your home warm.
One of the key advantages of fibreglass insulation is its low cost compared to other insulation materials. It is very simple to install, and homeowners, with a little assistance, may do it themselves.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is an environmentally favourable solution for home insulation because it is constructed of recycled paper and other materials. It is installed in your attic, walls, or floors as loose fill or blown-in insulation. Cellulose insulation has a greater R-value than fibreglass insulation, so it insulates better.
One benefit of cellulose insulation is its resistance to insects, mould, and fire. It can also prevent air penetration, making your home more energy efficient. Cellulose insulation can absorb sound, making it a good choice for homes near busy streets or highways.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a two-part liquid that swells into a foam that fills all the gaps and crevices in your walls, attic, and floors when combined. It is one of the most effective insulation materials available, creating an airtight seal that keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Spray foam insulation is also impervious to moisture, mould, and insects, making it an excellent choice for homes in humid climates. It can also limit noise transmission between rooms, making the indoor environment more serene.
Rockwool Insulation
Rockwool insulation comprises spun rock or slag fibres. It is inserted between the framework of your walls, floors, and ceilings as batts or blankets. Rockwool insulation outperforms fibreglass insulation in terms of R-value and sound insulation.
One of the advantages of rockwool insulation is that it is fire-resistant, making it a good choice for homes in wildfire-prone locations. Rockwool fire insulation costs more than fibreglass insulation, but it provides superior insulation and is an excellent choice for those that value energy efficiency and soundproofing.
Acoustic Insulation
Acoustic insulation is used in buildings to limit sound transmission and absorb sound waves. This is especially crucial in noisy situations or open-plan homes where sound can quickly flow from room to room.
Acoustic floor insulation is often constructed of sound-absorbing materials such as Rockwool, fibreglass, or foam. These materials can be used to lower the amount of noise that goes through walls, floors, and ceilings. In addition to thermal insulation, some types of insulation can provide some level of sound insulation.
Benefits of Home Insulation
Let’s check the advantages of having home insulation:
Reduces energy use and utility bills
Increases indoor comfort
It provides a moisture barrier
It can improve indoor air quality by reducing drafts and keeping outside pollutants out of the house.
Increases the home’s total value
Some types of insulation like acoustic insulation boards, can be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Difference Based on R-value (per Inch)
Here is a table showing the difference between the types of home insulation discussed above:
Insulation Type
Description
R-value (per Inch)
Fibreglass
Made of tiny glass fibres and comes in batts or loose fill.
2.2-2.9 (batts), 2.2-4.0 (loose fill)
Cellulose
Made of recycled newspaper and treated to be fire resistant.
3.2-3.8
Spray Foam
It comes in two types: Open and Closed cells and expands upon application.
3.7-6.5(Open cell), 6.0-7.0(Closed cell)
Rockwool
Made of volcanic rocks and comes in batts or loose fill.
3.0-3.3
Acoustic
Made of Hush, Foam, Rubber
N/A
Note: R-value measures thermal resistance or a material’s capacity to resist heat transmission. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation at preventing heat loss or gain.
Conclusion
There are numerous types of insulation materials on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. Your specific needs and budget will determine the optimum insulation for your home. Increase your house’s energy efficiency and comfort while lowering your utility bills by selecting the right insulation company like Galaxy Insulation.
Author Bio:
Cinthia Rosa
As an Insulation Expert at Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining, UK, Cinthia’s contribution to the company’s growth has been invaluable. She has amassed abundant knowledge and technical know-how regarding insulation products, which she consistently shares with the masses through engaging and informative blogs.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/galaxy-insulation-and-dry-lining-ltd/
Interesting Related Article: “The importance of winter garage door maintenance“