How Home Insulation Works
Insulation consists of thermally resistant materials that help prevent heat from entering your home in the summer and keep heat inside your home during the winter. The insulation of your choice can be placed inside the walls, floors, or outside of your home to create a barrier. This results in more efficient maintenance of the temperature in your home.
There Are Three Main Types Of Home Insulation: How To Choose The Right One?
The climate in which you live, the design of your home, R-factor (level of insulation), and your own personal preference all factor into choosing the right insulation. Here are the pros and cons of the three most widely used types of insulation:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the traditional pink (also comes in blue or yellow) fluff you see in most homes and home improvement stores. It is ideal for DIY or a low-cost solution.
Pros:
- Can last for up to 50+ years.
- Fire retardant
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Poses some hefty health risks.
- Does not provide a 100% seal and the R-value degrades over time.
Cellulose
Cellulose is the most eco-friendly option as it uses shredded newspaper to be blown into the walls of your home.
Pros:
- More airtight than fiberglass.
- Contributes to the environment by cutting down on waste and reusing materials.
- Easy installation in that there is no need for cutting and measuring.
Cons:
- Though it contains Boron, an insect repellant, it is not necessarily a pro due to the limited supply of the material.
- It is not the cleanest process when installing and removing.
- Its fire retardant properties lose strength over time, making it highly combustible.
- It’s better for the environment, but not much better for your health when compared to fiberglass.
Spray Foam (Open and Closed Cell)
Spray foam is the most energy-efficient insulation option. It provides a powerful, airtight barrier that stays fully in place and does not degrade over time like the above options. It is also the most customizable, providing both open and closed cell levels of sealant.
Pros:
- Seals off all gaps and corners that other forms of insulation can’t reach.
- Reduces heating and cooling costs by 50%.
- Durable and impermeable to water, effectively abolishing mold and mildew growth.
- Essentially lasts forever, as it does not lose its R-value over time.
Cons:
- Requires a high level of expertise for proper installation.
- Though it does not lose its r-value, it may start to shrink as it ages.
- The process is more time-consuming and invasive.
- Spray foam does not meet building code requirements in some areas.
What To Expect From Your Contractor or Insulation Company
It is common practice for companies to provide free at-home estimates in order to thoroughly introduce their product, go over the step-by-step installation process, and be fully equipped to answer any questions that you may have. More importantly, a trustworthy company will also proudly showcase that they are licensed, insured, and highly rated, all of which are crucial for avoiding common installation errors that can end up costing you more in the future. Lastly, a certain level of courtesy and professionalism will go a long way in ensuring that your home is in the right hands.
Now that you have been briefed on the basics of home insulation, you are likely ready to start researching companies to come to give you an estimate. For those located in Ottawa, Ontario, let us make that process a little easier by introducing Ottawa Insulations! With 40+ five-star reviews, it is clear why they are the most trusted insulators in the area. Offering the highest quality materials and service, there is no reason to hesitate. Simply schedule your free estimate today!
