Proper insulation is crucial for optimal home comfort and energy efficiency. Just as insufficient insulation can lead to an uncomfortable home, insulating with the wrong materials can leave a home feeling drafty or humid while energy bills skyrocket.
If you’re not sure which type of insulation to choose, this helpful overview of different insulation types will provide some guidance for choosing the right type for your home and climate.
Overview of Home Insulation Types
The most common types of insulation are fiberglass, including fiberglass batt and blown in fiberglass, blown in cellulose, and spray foam insulation. Although each insulation type has specific benefits, the location of the insulation generally has the biggest impact on which type is right for a specific project. Insulation experts can help in choosing home insulation for any home renovation or remodel project.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is a common type of insulation that is literally made from fine glass fibers. This type of insulation comes in two forms: loose fill and batt. Loose fill is recommended for blowing into the walls and attic of your home, while experts recommend fiberglass batt, which comes in flat sheets, for some walls, ceilings, and attics. This is one of the more affordable options for boosting your home’s insulation, and the material is non-combustible, non-corrosive, formaldehyde-free, and both moisture- and mold-resistant.
Cellulose Insulation
Unlike other kinds of insulation, cellulose insulation is made from a plant-based material and is considered a more environmentally friendly option. Cellulose insulation is a loose fill insulation that offers soundproofing qualities and contains boric acid, a bug and rodent deterrent. The material can be blown into walls for a dense pack and is often successfully used in attics.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is an insulation that conforms to all the cracks, crevices, and curves of an insulated area. Professional insulation is critical for spray foam insulation, as it expands up to 100 times its original size after application. It is this expansion that brings the added benefit of air sealing the area where it is installed. Spray foam insulation is particularly effective as insulation in basements and crawlspaces.
Best Insulation for Attics
Attics usually do not have a great deal of headroom, so it is best to choose insulation materials that provide high R-value with the least amount of thickness. A combination of rigid foam board and fiberglass batts installed along ceilings, knee walls, dormer walls, and areas beyond the visible ends of joists can provide adequate R-value while also ensuring the attic has adequate headroom.
Wall Insulation Choices for Optimal Energy Efficiency
If a homeowner is remodeling one of the main living spaces in their home, such as a kitchen, living room, or bathroom, that is an ideal time to think about the insulation in the walls. At Wisconsin Home Improvement Co. LLC, we typically install two different types of insulation in walls: spray foam and dense pack fiberglass or cellulose insulation. If walls contain old or wet insulation, a remodel is a good time to remove the wall board to replace old insulation with new insulation.
Insulating Basements and Crawlspaces
Insulating basements and crawlspaces can have a significant impact on the comfort of a home, not only in those spaces but in the living spaces above. Without proper insulation, cold air and moisture can creep into basements and crawlspaces easily and lead to cold floors and a chilly living area.
The Right Insulation for Below-Grade Areas
When it comes to insulating basements, moisture control should be top priority. This is especially true when turning an unfinished basement into a viable living space. In basements, experienced professionals at Wisconsin Home Improvement typically choose 1.5 to 2 inches of a rigid foam board insulation. The rigid foam insulation can bring basements up to an R-value of R15 to R19 while also controlling humidity, making the space suitable for living or entertaining.
Insulation for Specialized Areas: Garages and Soundproofing
In addition to improving a home’s comfort and energy efficiency, the right insulation can also offer soundproofing or sound dampening effects. For instance, insulating a garage with cellulose insulation can help keep the sounds of a band practice or home gym more contained while also making the space more comfortable for those activities.
Maximizing Home Comfort with Wisconsin Home Improvement
The job of all types of insulation is to keep heat inside the home during the bitterly cold winters and keep muggy heat out in the summers. Properly installed insulation keeps your home energy efficient all year, but most importantly, it keeps your family comfortable. When it comes time to reassess the shape of your home’s insulation, a custom approach is required to determine the best type of insulation for your specific needs.
Wisconsin Home Improvement is Wisconsin’s only Pearl Certified insulation installer. Our team of professionals can help assess the current state of your home’s insulation and determine the best, most efficient path forward for your home and family. Contact us to get started.
