If you’re looking to maximize your energy efficiency at home, the first step is making sure your home is adequately insulated. There are many different types of insulations, each with its own characteristics and properties, advantages and disadvantages, so you have to think carefully about what will work best in your home, before making any purchasing decisions. This guide breaks down the various types of insulations available today to help you make an informed decision about which one will work best in your home or workplace.
Blanket: Batt and Roll Insulation
Sometimes referred to as batts, batt insulation is commonly used in attics and around hot water pipes. Roll insulation can be more economical for a larger project but comes in limited widths. As a result, a project with irregularly-shaped surfaces can become expensive or difficult to complete.
Concrete Block Insulation
Concrete blocks are often used as interior walls in commercial and public spaces. Due to their high structural integrity, they are perfect for high-traffic areas that need insulation from extreme heat or cold. Concrete block insulation is also cost-effective, as it is durable and easily installed. Since concrete blocks are opaque, you can choose to have them plain or imprint your company logo on them, creating a unique look. The only downside to concrete block insulation is that it cannot be used outside because it becomes waterlogged when exposed to extended periods of rain or snow.
Foam Board or Rigid Foam
Foam board or rigid foam is an excellent and cost-effective form of insulation for crawl spaces and other areas where there’s a lot of moisture. The foam comes in sheets and can be cut to fit whatever length you need. It typically has an R-value of 1.5 per inch, making it an excellent choice for use in attics and basements. The downside to using foam board as insulation is that it can get damaged easily if there’s water, especially if it isn’t protected with a vapor barrier.
Insulating Concrete Forms
If you’re looking for an insulation material that is both affordable and efficient, one of your best options may be insulating concrete forms (ICFs). The main draw of ICFs is that they provide a level of energy efficiency unparalleled by other materials. CFs are pre-casted panels made of polystyrene beads enclosed in cement, helping to insulate against cold and hot temperatures. As a result, they are ideal for homes in colder climates or areas with large temperature fluctuations from season to season. In warmer climates, where it may not get as hard as you would expect, you can still use their solid structure for insulation purposes.
Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation
If you’re looking for a way to save money on your energy bills, installing loose-fill or blown-in insulation is a great option. These two types of insulation are both easy to install and affordable. In most cases, they can help you reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30 percent in your home.
One of the best things about working with insulation is that it’s very low-maintenance. When you have siding, it needs to be painted every few years. With insulation, you don’t have to do anything beyond making sure there are no holes in it for mice or other creatures to get inside your home. While insulating does require some preparation work on your part, once you have everything in place, it will pay off for years to come, with lower energy bills and a comfortable indoor climate.