article

A Guide to Home Insulation Materials

By Fran J. Donegan via Realty Times

bluehammer

Insulation is one of those building products that you never see, because it is usually covered up by something else. But if you don't have enough, or if it is installed incorrectly, you're wasting energy and paying more for heating and cooling than is necessary.

There are a number of insulation products you can use to prevent energy loss. However, it is important to realize that insulation is only one part of a two-prong approach to energy efficiency. The other arm of the plan involves sealing all of the holes, cracks or openings caused by pipes, wires, chimneys or anything that creates an opening in a wall, ceiling, or most importantly, attic floor.

These openings allow interior air to escape to the unconditioned (not heated or cooled) space that surrounds your home. The sealing process is called "air sealing," and requires silicone caulk and expanding foam that comes in a can. It isn't exciting work, and while easy, it requires attention to detail. It is extremely important because the openings are escape routes for heated and cooled air and because many insulation products do not stop moving air. If you plan on insulating, be sure to attend to air sealing as well.

Where to Insulate

Basically, insulation should be placed in any area that separates your heated and cooled living spaces from areas that are not heated and cooled. These areas include:

  • Attics
  • Cathedral ceilings
  • Sidewalls
  • Walls between the living area and an attached garage
  • Floors over unheated basements
  • Floors over crawl spaces
  • Foundation walls

Insulation Materials

The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its R-value - "R" stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better. It is important to match the insulation to the application as well. For example, fiberglass insulation has an R-value of about 2.8 to four per inch. Some foam panels have R-values of seven or eight. But you can easily find fiberglass batts or blankets that are 12 inches thick and designed for use as attic insulation, providing over an R-40. Standard foam panels only come in one-half to two inch thicknesses.

bluehammer

Some products are easier to install than others. Fiberglass batts simply roll into place. They are manufactured to fit snugly between ceiling joists and wall studs. When installing any insulation, it is important that the product be placed flat against the surface you are insulating. Any air space under the insulation or gaps around the edges will limit the effectiveness of the product.

Here's a look at some common insulation products:

Type of Insulation
R-Value per Inch
Where It’s Installed
Notes
Fiberglass

Mineral Wool

(Available in batts, blankets and as a loose fill material)		 2.8 to 4
  • Attics
  • Open wall stud cavities
  • Floors over unheated spaces
  • Batts and blankets are DIY projects
  • Loose fill is a professional installation
  • Compressing the insulation or getting it wet reduces R-value
Cellulose 3 to 3.7
  • Attics
  • Open wall
  • cavities
  • Closed wall cavities
  • Hard-to-reach areas
  • Cellulose is ground- up paper treated with fire retardants
  • Blown-in with special equipment
  • Can be poured in place
  • Even distribution is necessary for effectiveness
Foam Boards
  • Polystyrene: 4 to 5
  • Polyisocyanurate / polyurethane: 6 to 8
  • Foundation walls
  • Interior basement walls
  • Floors
  • Ceilings
  • Interior applications must be covered with drywall for fire safety
  • Used for air sealing large openings
  • Some types are used under exterior siding to enhance the R value of the wall and prevent heat transfer through framing members
Spray-On Polyurethane
  • Open-cell: 3.6 to 4.3
  • Closed-cell: 5.6 to 6.8
  • Open and enclosed wall cavities
  • Between rafters on cathedral ceilings
  • Hard to reach areas
  • Irregularly shaped areas
  • Requires special application equipment
  • Closed-cell material is denser and acts as a vapor barrier
  • Both act as an air barrier

Use this chart as a reference point when insulating your home. Proper insulation will help lower your energy bills and keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


How To Cut Your Costs Building A Pool

Having a pool can be one of the most enjoyable parts of homeownership, but building it can be an expensive undertaking. "If you're planning to install a pool, be prepared to open your wallet," said US News. "PK Data reports that the average cost of a residential in-ground swimming pool was $39,084 last year."

Replacing Your Bathroom Vanity

Replacing your old vanity can make a big aesthetic difference in your bathroom.

10 DIY Peel-And-Stick Tiles To Quickly Take Your Backsplash From Meh To Magnificent

Adding a flashy backsplash is one of the best ways to help transform your kitchen, and, especially, to take the emphasis off of countertops that might need updating or cabinets in need of an overhaul. It could also inspire you to make those other needed changes. But the hassle of working with tile and stone and dealing with messy thinset and grout - or paying someone to do it for you - often wins out over going for it.

Remodeling Your Outdoor Patio On A Budget

Creating and sticking to a home improvement project's budget is about as easy and comfortable as pulling teeth. But when it comes to a task as exciting as an outdoor space remodel, it's necessary to think and talk about the budget before taking any further steps.

Replacing Your Toilet

The work horse of the bathroom, the toilet is the most used appliance.

The Best Paint Colors For An Enduring Look In Your Home

Trends come and go. If you paint your walls the "provocative and thoughtful purple shade" of Ultra Violet, as Pantone, itself, calls it, you're probably gearing up to repaint them in whatever the color authority deems the "it" shade next year. If you'd rather pick a paint chip or two and keep your space the same for the long haul, you'll love these colors that endure.

The Top-Three Considerations When Starting a Home-Based Business

If you’re considering starting a home-based business, you're in good company. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of all businesses are run out of the owner’s home.

Maintaining Your Hot Water Heater

Water heaters generally have a lifespan of 8-12 years, but as with anything, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last. There are several easy "set it and forget it" tips that you can use with your water heater, like keeping the thermostat at 120 degrees, and always maintain two feet of clearance around the appliance. You can also conserve money on your gas bill by setting your heater to its "vacation" setting when leaving town. This will keep the pilot light going without heating the water.

Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Your home is your place to rest, play, and spend time with your family. It should be a place of comfort, and this comfort need not come at a high cost. Many homes, however, waste a lot of energy in ways that can be prevented. Here are five ways to make your home more energy-efficient.

Are Extended Warranties Worth the Cost?

Extended warranties offer consumers longer terms of coverage on service, repair and replacement for their home's appliances than the standard out-of-the-box warranty from the manufacturer. These warranties are highly profitable for retailers, as they can run up the total cost of your purchase by $100 or more, with very few claims being filed per year. Are they actually worth it?

See More Articles