Choosing The Right Type Of Insulation

When choosing the type of insulation for your new home or addition, it's important to know all the options available to you in order to make an educated decision. There are several types of insulation available from places like All Weather Shield Inc, in several different formats, all of which offer different advantages and disadvantages.

Batt and Loose-Fill Insulation

Insulation, no matter what it is made of, comes in one of two forms. Batt insulation is made out of fibers that have been woven together to create a solid blanket. Batt insulation will have a moisture barrier on one side to prevent water from damaging or clumping the insulation and making it less effective. It is available in 16 or 24 inch rolls and is ideal for placing in large flat areas, such as long expanses of walls, floors, or ceilings.

Loose fill insulation is made out of small chunks of insulation that group together behind the wall. It's usually blown into place with a giant hose, which makes it ideal for filling in hard to reach places, like small indents or nooks where batt insulation is too unwieldy. Loose fill insulation can also be bought loose in bags that can be used to fill in gaps in already existing insulation.

Types of Insulation

There are three main types of insulation: fiberglass, rock wool, and cellulose. They all offer different benefits and advantages over each other.

• Fiberglass insulation: The most common type of insulation and relatively inexpensive. It is available as both batt and loose fill forms. Fiberglass insulation is resistant to water damage and is non-flammable. However, it is made up of fibers that can irritate your skin and lungs and requires safety clothing to be worn when installing.
• Rock Wool Insulation: Slightly more expensive than fiberglass insulation, but it does not irritate your skin and lungs when handled. It does not come in batts, but only in loose fill form, which makes it really only ideal for nooks and crannies, and not for large flat areas. It is susceptible to water damage, as water causes it to clump up, which ruins the effectiveness of rock wool as an insulate.
• Cellulose Insulation: Made up of organic materials, cellulose insulation is also only available in loose fill form. It is usually made up of recycled paper or plants and is treated to prevent moisture damage. Again, excessive exposure to water can cause cellulose insulation to clump up and ruin the insulation qualities it posses.