4 Types of Home Insulation
Insulation is a vital component of every home that aims to be energy-efficient. Before seeking the services of a home insulation contractor, it’s good to understand the different types of insulation:
- Spray Foam Insulation
This particular type of home insulation is perfect for adding insulation to hard-to-reach or irregularly shaped spaces.
Homeowners can use a foamed-in-place (pressure sprayed) option. It mostly comes in two basic constructions: denser closed-cell foam and open-cell foam.
- Brown-In Insulation
To add extra insulation to finished spaces, brown-in insulation is all you need. It’s applied using a gadget that compresses a paper-like substance.
This kind of home insulation is more often than not made of reclaimed cellulose material, rock wool, or fiberglass.
However, DIY-friendly brown-in insulation may be messy or time consuming, and hiring a professional is definitely worth considering.
- Radiant or Reflective Barriers
Radiant or reflective barriers work contrary to most types of insulation; while basic insulation reduces heat flow, reflective insulation prevents heat gain by reflecting heat away from the home.
In warmer areas, homeowners place reflective barriers in the attic in between the beams, rafters and joists.
- Rigid Foam Panels
Whether you choose to insulate an unvented low-slope roof or a floor, rigid foam panels work just fine.
They basically reduce the heat conducted via elements that compose a home’s structure such as wall studs and wood.
On average, homeowners save up to 15 percent on cooling and heating costs by adequate insulation to the basement, crawl spaces and attic. Sealing air leaks serves the same purpose!
