Types of Insulation (Or, more precisely, how insulation is formed)
While a certain manufacturer would have us “think pink” and nothing else, there are actually five major types of insulation* you can use. Everyone has their preference, and each come with pros and cons. Yet when it comes to application, some types are definitely easier to work with, and may suit your project better. So, in the final analysis, which is the best home insulation will be up to you.
*Note that there are other types of insulation than what we’ll mention here, but the info provided on this site is geared to household projects where the homeowner can manage it him/herself. These types of insulation do not necessarily call for the need of a contractor or heavy equipment, although in some cases equipment is necessary.
In brief, your insulating options are:
Rigid Boards or Panels
You’ll generally find boards or panels made of fibreglass, polystyrene(foam) and polyurethane(foam). R values run from about R-4 to R-8 per inch, depending on type, and boards are available in a wide range of thicknesses.
Fiberglass Board is available either rigid or semi rigid. In either form, the glass fibers are bonded together using a thermosetting resin. R value is about R-4 per inch (2.5cm) and boards are available in a variety of thicknesses and densities.
(MEPS) Molded Expanded Polystyrene is a closed cell material molded into foam board insulation and is often called beadboard. R values for this board run from R-3.8 to R-4.4 per inch (2.54 cm) thick.
Polyurethane Foam Board is also a closed cell foam, but with R-values nearly double that of MEPS. Due to this, you can use a thinner board to achieve the same insulation value. For any application where space is an issue, this is the route to go.
Open cell foam boards are not recommended for insulating exterior walls, attics, basements or crawl spaces. Open cell foam is not as dense or as heavy, therefore lowering its R Value significantly. It also lacks the greater resistance to air leakage and water vapours that you will find with a closed cell foam.
In a nutshell, go with the pink or blue boards(closed cell), not the white(open cell) ones!
Spray Foam Insulation
As the name suggests, liquid foam is sprayed into cavities using a blower. The foam expands and fills the cavity. Once it has hardened, any excess can be scraped away.
Just as with panels and boards, spray foam insulation is available in both open and closed cells forms, with the closed cell having a higher R Value.
Spray foam insulation is not biodegradable, and it will not lose its form in any way once it has hardened into place.
Generally speaking, spray foam has a higher cost up front then other form of insulation. And if you are looking at doing a DIY project, there are do it yourself kits available.
Loose Fill Insulation
Loose fill insulation is made from cellulose, fibreglass, rock wool, and other materials. As the name suggests, this type of insulation lacks a distinct form, so it can be a great choice in certain applications, as the clumps can conform to any shaped cavity. Think of spaces that contain ducts or pipes.
Loose fill insulation is generally sold in bags and is blown in using special equipment. R values range from R-13 to R-15 for a 2×4 wall cavity, and R-18 to R-21 for a 2×6 wall cavity.
Batts and Blankets Insulation
Batts and Blankets are most commonly made from fiberglass or mineral wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers like cotton and sheep’s wool. Blankets come in rolls of up to 64ft. Batts are blankets that have been pre-cut into 4 or 8 ft lengths. Standard widths are 16 or 18 inch, making them a great choice for insulating new construction framing. R values vary according to the thickness of the batt or blanket.
Reflective Insulation or Radiant Barriers
Reflective insulation is most commonly used in hotter climates. Usually fabricated from aluminum foil, they’re typically found between roof rafters, floor joists, and wall studs, it’s designed to block radiant heat transfer.
All of these forms of insulation can be done as a DIY project. However, some do call for the rental of equipment and are more difficult than others.