Last Updated on September 29, 2022 by Spray Foam Insulation Plus
There are three different main types of Insulation. People often get confused as to which one is the best for them. Therefore, after thorough research and experience, we have written this article for you. This blog will look at the different types of Insulation for buildings and which one is the best among them. Spray Foam Insulation Bloomington MN
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the most popular Insulation type. This is because it is cheap and easy to install. However, there are drawbacks to fiberglass insulation. Out of all the three kinds of Insulation, fiberglass has the lowest R-value. Fiberglass comes in batts, which makes it challenging to insulate holes and notches. Moreover, it is useless when it gets damp.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation consists of tyrannized cloth and paper that has been treated with fire-retardant. It is a loose-fill product. Cellulose has a little better R-value than fiberglass. In addition, because it is loose, we can blow it into any nook or notch. It helps seal air leaks, and it has few soundproofing capabilities. However, the drawback to cellulose is that it does not dry fast when it gets damp, which leads to mold.
Spray Foam Insulation
The mixing of liquid chemicals manufactures spray foam insulation. We can use this type of Insulation to fill any kind of crack or hole. Spray foam has a very high R-value compared to both fiberglass and cellulose. Moreover, it offers much more increased soundproofing capabilities as well. Spray foam is also moisture-impermeable; therefore, there is no worrying about mold or mildew involved.
What Is the Best Insulation for Your Home or Building?
Just from the brief overview above, you can unquestionably see that Spray Foam Insulation is the best insulation type amongst all three of them.
Coverage
Fiberglass insulation comes in pre-cut batts in specific sizes. Residential attics are not usually perfectly flat or square; they have many cavities and gaps that need to be filled-in in most attics. Standard fiberglass batts do not adjust to these irregularities, which results in gaps in your home insulation. A tiny hole can also significantly reduce the R-value of that specific wall by a percentage of 50.
Moisture Permeability
As mentioned above, fiberglass and cellulose insulation are both useless when wet; even humid air affects them negatively. This is because they lose almost all of their R-value, which becomes almost zero when they are damp, and it does not recover until they completely dry again.
Air Permeability
Fiberglass is very fluffy and has a low density; therefore, air can easily pass through it. Even in cellulose, air can somewhat pass through. Covering air leaks with them is of no use because air will still pass through them. This will decrease the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Prone To Mold
Because air and moisture can easily pass through them, both cellulose and fiberglass are more prone to mold or mildew growth. Cellulose is more so than fiberglass because it takes longer to dry. This is because they are fueled by the moisture in the air or leaking roofs/pipes that pass through them. This results in mold growth in these wet insulations. Mold has a very negative effect on the air quality inside of your home.
Spray Foam Insulation Is the Best Option
There is no doubt that spray foam insulation is the best type of insulation. This is because:
- It has the higher R-value
- It is an air sealant
- It is moisture-impermeable
- It kills mold
- It has excellent sound-proofing capabilities
- It increases your energy efficiency so much that your energy bills get cut down to around 40%
- It is Fire-resistant
- It is a flood-resistant material
For more information about our spray foam insulation services, feel free to contact Spray Foam Insulation Plus, the best insulation contractors in Bloomington MN, today.
Spray Foam Insulation Bloomington MN
Spray Foam Insulation Bloomington MN
Spray Foam Insulation Bloomington MN
