Comparison Of Wall Insulation Types

Understanding different insulation materials.

Comparison of wall insulation types. Installing this type of insulation is an inexpensive and diy friendly project since the materials are designed to fit into the standard width between wall studs attic rafters and floor joists. Insulation is rated by its r value. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. When it comes to choosing the best internal wall insulation for your home there are two main criteria you need to consider.

There are four main types of insulation products on the market today used for attics and wall cavities. R value measures how resistant types of insulation are to heat flow. This will increase performance by resisting radiant heat convection and conduction heat transfer. Insulation decreases the amount of heat entering from outside when it s hot and traps warmth inside when it s cold.

What parts of your home need to be insulated and what are the r value recommendations for each of those areas. The different types of insulation. You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral rock and slag wool plastic fibers and natural fibers such as cotton and sheep s wool. Older homes especially those pre dating the 1950s may employ two by fours that truly are 2 inches by 4 inches.

The higher the r value the higher the insulating capability. Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Spray foam spray foam insulation is generally used in areas where there are no wall cavities to contain other types of insulation on concrete slabs or unfinished walls. While rated differently these two types of insulation are close enough in thickness that they can both fit into modern two by four wall systems.

Fiberglass rock wool or slag wool cellulose and spray foam. Energy efficiency of insulation products are measured in r value or the resistance to heat flow. It consists of flexible fibers most commonly fiberglass. When certain types of plastic facers are applied the composite product can feature an r value of up to 3 8 at one inch.

When you compare insulation types you ll discover the many advantages of usa premium foam insulation. Blanket insulation the most common and widely available type of insulation comes in the form of batts or rolls. According to the building sciences corporation bsc all insulation types perform equally well when properly installed and air sealed.