Options You Can Consider When Contemplating Insulation Installation
Whether you are constructing a new home, engaging in renovations or embarking on a home extension, insulation is a critical building material. A mistake some homeowners make is simply leaving this decision to the building contractor and therefore do not have a clue of what is being used to insulate their home. However, knowing what options are available to you will enable you to make an enlightened decision on what would suit your residence. It should be noted that your choice of insulation does not simply rely on your budget. Other considerations to have would include the prevalent climate, area of installation and the ease of installation. So what are some of the options you can consider when contemplating insulation installation?
Insulation in blanket form
This type of insulation appears in the form rolls of fibre. As such, it gets its name from the structure of the insulation rather than the material used as insulation. There are several different types of materials that are used as blanket insulation. These materials include earthwool insulation, fibreglass insulation and rock wool insulation. In recent years, cellulose has steadily started gaining popularity as a material used to create blanket insulation. It was previously avoided, as contractors believed that the plant fibres in the cellulose would pose a fire hazard in homes built in areas prone to bushfires. However, advances in technology have provided methods to pre-treat the cellulose fibres using flame-resistant additives. Blanket insulation is typically installed on areas such as flooring, ceiling as well as walls.
Insulation in board form
As the name suggests, this type of insulation is in the form of rigid panel boards. Some of the materials used to create this type of insulation include polyutherane, fibreglass and polystyrene. Board insulation is typically used in areas such as walls and ceilings. The thickness of the boards also provide sound insulation, making them a popular option for homes located in close proximity to noise such as near a motorway or an airport. They are also great for insulating rooms such as basements and attics. This is because board insulation will also have a moisture barrier or other forms of protective layers, for example drywall. This in turn functions to keep rooms such as the basement and attic moisture resistant.
Insulation in loose-fill form
This type of insulation is made up of loose, fibrous materials that are derived from cellulose, wool or fibreglass. It is installed by being blown into cavities in the structure such as between walls to fill up the interior space. Although this type of insulation tends to be one of the expensive options, it is also considered to be the most effective as it does not leave any gaps within the spaces it is installed in.
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