Are you looking for the optimum solution to have increased energy efficiency and comfort? Home insulation can provide significant benefits to your household. If you need help in installation, find a reliable insulation service company in Sandy, Utah or other locations to ensure the safety of your family.
6 Thermal Insulation Materials
Fiberglass
The fiberglass is the most widely used contemporary material for insulation. Made by inventively weaving fine threads of glass, it reduces heat transmission effectively. With R-values ranging from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch, this kind of insulation material won’t hurt your wallet.
Mineral Wool
With an R-value ranging from R-2.8 to R-3.5, mineral wool is manufactured from various materials, including:
- Recycled glass
- Basalt/rock wool
- Steel mills/slag wool
You can buy mineral wool as a loose material or in batts. It’s not too costly, but it has less functionality when extreme heat is present compared with other insulation materials.
Cellulose
The safest form of insulation, cellulose is made from paper or cardboard. You can buy it in loose form. Its distinctive feature is that it has no oxygen. This material makes it ideal for reducing fire damage. With R-value ranging from R-3.1 to R-3.7, this material is an affordable option.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is a polymeric product with low-density and is resistant to fire. It can be used for a wide range of applications. With an R-value of almost R-6.3 per inch of thickness, this material is commonly used in the automotive industry.
Polystyrene
Best for sound and temperature insulation, polystyrene is water-resistant. It comes in two types:
- Extruded (XEPS): This is Styrofoam with R-value of R-5.5
- Expanded (EPS): With R-value of R-4, this material is less expensive than the XEPS
Asbestos
This material works excellently in the insulation of buildings. It was used in numerous residential, commercial, and manufacturing products. But since 1973, asbestos products have been banned for fireproofing and insulating purposes. Why? This insulation material has been found to be very dangerous, especially to humans.
Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos fibers are microscopic. When they become airborne, they can be inhaled or ingested by humans. Because of its size, this particle can suspend in the air for several hours. When you inhaled asbestos fibers, your body will do its best to get rid of them. Some can leave your system, but some may remain in the tissues of your body, particularly in the lungs.
Asbestos exposure can lead to cancer, such as the following:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
Boosting Energy Efficiency and Comfort at Home
To create a stronger building envelope and obtain significant benefits, you can combine two or multiple products when insulating your structure. This solution is called hybrid insulation. Here are some examples:
- Fiberglass or mineral wool batts or rolls combined with spray foam: This is an effective method of air sealing that prevents excessive costs. Other benefits include ideal sound insulation and fire-resistance.
- Blown-in insulation with spray foam: With its complete coverage, this insulation solution brings excellent thermal performance. Aside from preventing air leakage, blown-in insulation with spray foam works best for sound reduction.
Home insulation enables you to achieve indoor comfort and reduce utility bills. In addition, more households are realizing the benefits of going solar. Solar panel system can help you save 20 to 40 percent of your energy usage.
