Home insulation is very important, as sufficient insulation means paying less on your heating and air conditioning bills while using less energy from power plants; in turn, you not only save money but you reduce the production of emissions from these plants. Since home insulation is often very expensive and will vary in its installation depending on the material, note a few tips for choosing the right type of insulation for your home.
1. R-value
One of the first things you should consider about any insulating material is its R-value. This is a term used for any building material to describe its insulating properties. Like a school grade, a higher R-value means that a material will provide better insulation, based on its density, thickness, and other such factors. No matter the material you choose, remember that a lower R-value may save you money on the insulation itself but it may mean higher costs over time.
2. Application
There are different forms of insulation, not just different materials, and these each require a different application or installation. It's good to know the difference between these, if you're thinking of installing your own insulation, as some might be easier to install then others. Blown foam is self-explanatory; this material may come in large quantities that you blow with a type of pressurized gun that may resemble a pressure washer or commercial vacuum cleaner. It may also come in small cans that you can use to add insulation around plumbing pipes or to small cracks and crevices.
Batts are pre-cut sections of insulation; these are usually cut to match standard sections between wall studs and framing, so you don't need to cut these yourself. Rolls are also self-explanatory; these roll out so you can cut them to a variety of lengths, for use on floors or in areas where you're simply replacing sections of insulation. Foam board is rigid panels of insulation that you nail to studs, and these are good for adding another layer of insulation over the batts or rolls you install between framing materials.
3. Eco-friendly
Don't assume that all insulation is harmful to the environment as it breaks down and decomposes. Cellulose insulation is often made from recycled paper products; it is mixed with a type of adhesive to make it thick and strong, and is blown into place. Some spray foams are made with natural soy which is also not harmful when it breaks down, and you can look for batt insulation that is made from cotton taken from recycled clothes; this keeps those items out of landfills and makes for a more eco-friendly choice.
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