There are numerous affordable and regular insulation materials at your disposal nowadays. Many of these have been used for a while now. Every type of insulation material has its pros and cons. Subsequently, the choice of insulation that you choose must be suitable for your situation. There are various factors to consider when selecting the right insulation, which include, environmental impact, sound insulation, R-value, cost, and other factors. Here are the five most regular types of insulation materials:
Fiberglass
The most commonplace insulation for modern homes is fiberglass. This is due to the method in which it is made (fine strands of glass are weaved into insulation material). Fiberglass can lower heat transfer. The primary risk of fiberglass is the hazard of handling it. Because it is manufactured with finely woven glass powder, silicon, and small shards of glass. These pose a risk of damaging your lungs, eyes, and skin if you do not wear the appropriate safety gear. Nonetheless, when the right safety equipment is worn, this type of insulation can be used without any incident. Fiberglass is an exceptional non-flammable material used for insulation with R-values between R-2.9 and R-3.8 per inch. If you are looking for affordable insulation, fiberglass is a viable choice, given that the appropriate safety precautions are taken. Always use masks, eye protection, and gloves when handling it.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool can mean various types of insulation. It could be glass wool which is essentially fiberglass which is made from recycled glass. Or, it could be rock wool that is manufactured with basalt. Finally, it can be slag wool that is made from steel mills. Most mineral wool that is used involved slag wool. You can buy mineral wool as loose material or in batts. The majority do not have additives that make it fire-resistant. That is why it is not a suitable choice where extreme heat is involved. However, mineral wool is not combustible. If used with other fire-resistant types of insulation, it is effective for large areas. The R-value for mineral wool is between R-2.8 and R-3.5.
Polyurethane Foam
However not the most plentiful of insulation type, polyurethane foams are exceptional for insulation applications. Polyurethane foams like Profoam is a blowing agent that is used for reducing the adverse effect on the ozone layer. This type of insulation is a moderately light material of about two pounds per cubic foot. The R-value is more or less R-6.3 per inch. You can also use low-density foam which is applied to areas with no insulation. Another benefit of polyurethane foam is the fire-resistance.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is possibly among the most environmentally friendly choices of insulation. It is produced from recycled paper, cardboard, and other similar constituents and is available in loose form. The R-value of cellulose is between R-3.1 and R-3.7. This insulation material contains almost zero oxygen which assists with minimizing the amount of damages that results from a fire. Cellulose is also fire-resistant, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
Polystyrene
This form of insulation is a waterproof thermoplastic foam that is useful for sound reduction and temperature control. There are two types, namely EPS (expanded) and XEPS (extruded), also referred to as Styrofoam. These two kinds vary in cost and performance ratings. The pricier of the two is XEPS with an R-value rating or R-5.5 and EPS with R-1. Polystyrene is known to have a uniquely smooth surface that is not the case with other insulation materials. It is ideal for wall insulation and can be cut into blocks. It is flammable; therefore, it must be coated with a fireproofing agent referred to as HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane) which has been linked with environmentally and health-related risks.
