Have you noticed that your heating and air conditioning bills have risen or that your house just doesn’t seem to keep a comfortable temperature? If so, this indicates you may need to consider replacing your home insulation and reaping the potential savings and health benefits.
However, choosing the best insulation will require careful consideration of the type of material, its thermal resistance, and the place where the insulation will go. Further, you’ll want to think about whether you plan to do the job yourself or hire a pro since some types of insulation need more work.
Read on to learn about some common insulation types along with their uses, pros, and cons.
1. Spray Foam Insulation
If you want an insulation type that works for walls and anywhere else in your house and offers the best performance, then consider spray foam insulation. Along with helping keep your home a comfortable temperature, this insulation can help with air and vapor leakage.
Spray foam insulation is usually made of polyurethane and is very long-lasting. It is flexible and can fit in hard-to-reach places, especially if you seek professional installation services from a company such as JWS Construction LLC.
However, do know this deluxe insulation type comes at a higher price than other options.
2. Fiberglass Insulation
When you’re seeking insulation for your basement or attic, consider fiberglass insulation as a cost-effective option. This type comes in forms such as a roll, batt, or loose fill, so it offers some flexibility for installation.
If you choose this home insulation, you’ll get some benefits such as decent thermal resistance, non-flammability, and a relatively low cost. You can also do this kind of insulation yourself with some experience and precautions.
While still a popular choice, fiberglass insulation does have some health considerations during the installation process. That’s because the fibers can cause skin and lung problems.
3. Mineral Wool Insulation
Known as one of the older types of insulation, mineral wool insulation provides a more natural alternative to fiberglass insulation. It’s the best insulation for walls when you need soundproofing along with moisture and fire resistance.
This type of insulation comes in batts and has a price somewhat higher than fiberglass. You’ll also find it easier to install yourself in places like ceilings.
Keep in mind that touching mineral wool insulation without protection can cause skin discomfort. It also has slivers that can potentially get into your lungs, so wearing a mask is essential.
4. Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation offers an organic alternative since it comes from recycled paper. This loose-fill type of insulation is available for wet or dry use, and it offers good mold, pest, and fire resistance.
It offers better thermal resistance than fiberglass and also avoids much of the potential health issues. It also comes at a lower price and works well for ceilings and walls.
Some drawbacks include a potentially higher installation cost and shorter lifespan as the insulation loses effectiveness over time. It can also cause dust that presents a health risk during installation.
Find the Best Insulation for Your Home
Now that you know about the types available, consider which sounds like the best insulation for your home. It will come down to your preferences and affordability.
If you don’t feel certain, you can always contact an insulator contractor to get an opinion. They can explain the pros and cons and give you some estimates to work with.
Be sure to check our other posts for more home improvement advice.
