How To Choose The Right Insulation Material?

When it comes to insulation, there is a wide variety of materials and brands available, which can often be overwhelming. However, selecting the appropriate insulation for your home can be a straightforward decision once you become acquainted with the basics.

Through the installation of various insulation materials in more than 7000 homes across the United States, we have discovered that certain materials may be ideal for one type of home structure but can prove to be problematic in others over time. The objective of this article is to assist you in making a well-informed decision when selecting the appropriate insulation for your climate, taking into account factors such as price, material type, and thermal efficiency. 

Types of Insulation Material

Insulation can be made from a range of different materials, each with its own pros and cons:

• Fiberglass is a widely available and affordable material. This product is suitable for both residential and commercial structures and may be easily accommodated in compact areas. Fiberglass exhibits fire-resistant properties.
• Cellulose is derived from recycled paper materials. It is ecologically sustainable and can be easily inserted into pre-existing walls, making it an excellent choice for renovations.
• Foam board or rigid foam, is suitable for insulating roofs and foundations. These materials have strong thermal resistance ratings and can be utilized in compact areas.
• Spray foam is highly effective in creating an exceptional air barrier and is particularly adept at sealing cracks and gaps. It is adaptable and can be utilized in different environments.
• Reflective insulation utilizes reflective surfaces to deflect radiant heat away from living areas, making it particularly suitable for hot climate attics.
• Natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, are both environmentally beneficial and provide excellent thermal performance.
• Mineral Wool, made from rock and slag, provides exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation for both commercial and residential buildings. 

Consider R-Values

The R-value is a thermal resistance metric commonly employed in the building sector. The measurement assesses the efficiency of an insulating material in limiting the transfer of thermal energy. A greater R-value signifies superior insulating characteristics. In simple terms, the R-value quantifies the effectiveness of insulation in preventing heat transfer.

The R-values of various materials vary, and the selection of an acceptable R-value for insulation is contingent upon factors such as climatic conditions, building regulations, and specific construction requirements. The effectiveness of insulation improves as the R-value increases. Select a suitable R-value based on your specific climate and geographic constraints.

Thermal Conductivity

In order to reduce heat transmission through the insulation, select a material with low thermal conductivity.

Application Temperature

It is essential to verify that the insulation material possesses the capacity to endure the temperature range of the intended application while maintaining its efficacy.

Where can insulation be installed?

In the realm of insulation, four primary categories can be identified: roof, façade, wall, and floor. Although roof insulation is often seen as the most crucial aspect, it is imperative to provide good insulation in all four regions, as roofs have a higher potential for heat loss.

Roof insulation

A building with uninsulated roofing might experience a heat loss of 25%. The selection of insulating material and the manner of implementation will be dependent upon various aspects, including the construction methodology, roof pitch, regional climatic conditions, and building codes. It is essential to ensure that the selected insulation is suitable for the specific roof system and building envelope. Always consult a professional in case of doubt.

Facade insulation

External insulation is typically more efficient than internal insulation due to its ability to prevent cold bridging or dew points, while simultaneously optimizing interior space. Nevertheless, the cost of installing it might be as much as 50% higher compared to inner wall and floor insulation. Additionally, it may not be allowed if the current facade needs to be conserved, particularly in protected historical regions.

Wall insulation

The selection of the installation method will be dependent upon the condition and placement of the wall, such as its level of moisture and uniformity. Walls that are too moist may necessitate the use of a stud wall with a hollow to facilitate adequate ventilation.

Floor insulation

Floor insulation comes in a wide variety of forms and varieties. In traditional wood buildings, thermal insulation can be achieved by incorporating a specific type of insulation between wooden floor joists. Additionally, there are insulation rolls and panels that can be placed on top of the subfloor and beneath floor coverings like carpets, parquets, or tiling in order to minimize resonance. Furthermore, many insulating boards are purposefully engineered for the purpose of underfloor heating, thereby facilitating the process of installation and mitigating heat dissipation.

What insulation formats and materials are available?

It is important to select the insulation forms that are most appropriate for your project because they can significantly affect both performance and installation ease. Along with the most often used materials and applications, we've included a list of the primary format alternatives here.

The use of loose or blown insulation is advantageous in situations involving regions with irregular shapes, as well as in floor and wall cavities where roll insulation is unable to achieve uniform covering. Installation is straightforward, but the insulation may settle with time. This kind is commonly made of polyurethane, cellulose, wood fiber, and mineral wool.

Thermal insulation of walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and ducting is commonly achieved by the utilization of roll insulation. Roll insulation materials, such as mineral wool and fiberglass insulation, possess inherent non-combustibility, as well as resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and mold growth, hence exhibiting favorable thermal and acoustic characteristics. Standard sizes are frequently accessible for convenient placement between framework, joists, and rafters. Due to their exceptional sound and vibration absorption capabilities, rubber and EPDM are commonly employed for acoustic insulation beneath flooring.

Installing panel insulation can be expensive, but it is typically a quick and straightforward process. In order to prevent gaps that can result in cold bridging, sound transmission, or dew points, it is crucial to make sure that edges and obstacles are finished correctly. For better overall performance in terms of reflectivity, breathability, or sound insulation, certain items may have numerous material layers.

A vacuum system is used to insulate vacuum insulated panels, or VIPs. To generate a vacuum, air is extracted from the panel's interior. Although vacuum insulation panels are costly, they possess exceptional thermal resistance and are significantly thinner compared to alternative insulation materials.

Let Valcast Provide You With The Insulation You Need​

If you seek top-notch insulation, our team at Valcast is the ideal choice. Our team will conduct an inspection of your attic or crawl space in order to assess the efficacy of your existing insulation. We are capable of addressing any inquiries you may possess regarding the caliber of the various insulation materials.