Your home’s insulation is responsible for a variety of critical tasks, including reducing thermal transfer, improving energy efficiency, limiting noise pollution, and even improving indoor air quality. When it’s time to choose the right insulation for your home, there are a variety of options on the market. In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common insulation materials and the benefits each offers so that you can make an informed decision for your insulation project.
Blown-In Foam Insulation
Sprayed polyurethane foam is made of two liquids, which, when sprayed together, experience a chemical reaction that creates foam. The spray-applied cellular plastic is used for a continuous barrier in walls, around corners, and across any contoured surface.
Pros
- High R-value: While fiberglass has an R-3.5 rating per inch, blown-in foam offers up to R-7.0.
- Tight seal: Blown-in foam expands to fill all cavities and cracks, protecting from 99% of air leaks and moisture movement.
- Noise reduction: Because of its continuous coverage, spray polyurethane foam significantly reduces noise.
Cons
- Shrinkage: Spray polyurethane can shrink over time due to aging and exposure to changing temperatures, reducing your coverage.
- Long cure time: Blown-in foam insulation takes a long time to dry and cure, during which it can give off a gas that has an odor.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose is a type of insulation made from paper fibers. These fibers have been chemically treated so that they stick together, don’t compress or settle, and are heat- and pest-resistant. The pulpy texture of this material comes from the recycled paper materials used to make the insulation.
Pros
- Heat resistance: Since cellulose insulation is so dense, it has a high heat resistance.
- Sustainably made: For homeowners who want an eco-friendly option, cellulose is made of recycled and organic matter.
- Easy application: Cellulose can be blown in for excellent coverage or installed in batts.
Cons
- Messy installation: The installation process creates a significant amount of dust that will need to be removed by the installer or homeowner.
- Settling & compression: Cellulose will often compress and settle over time, which, in turn, reduces its R-value and effectiveness.
- Costly: Cellulose is more expensive than traditional fiberglass batt insulation.
Rigid Foam Insulation
This rigid sheathing is made of plastic foam. Boards are sold in 4×8 and 4×10 lengths and in a variety of thicknesses, most commonly 1-inch or 2-inch. This insulation is installed on the exterior of a home and can also act as a moisture barrier.
Pros
- Limited leaks: Since this insulation comes in large boards and can be cut to fit snuggly, there are fewer gaps for air to potentially leak.
- Moisture control: Rigid foam can create a vapor barrier that protects your home from moisture that can cause wood rot, mold growth, and more.
- Reduces noise: Rigid sheathing absorbs sound waves, helping to reduce noise levels both inside and outside of your house.
Cons
- Vulnerable to fire: This material is not fire-resistant and gives off toxic fumes when it burns.
- Difficult installation: Boards of insulation need to be precisely measured and cut to fit snugly around the outside of your home.
- Expensive: As one of the best options on the market, rigid foam insulation is one of the costliest choices for homeowners.
Schedule Insulation Services With Penguin Today
When you need expert insulation installation services in the Phoenix, AZ, area, trust Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical. Our licensed and insured insulation contractors offer a “Job Done Right” guarantee and are committed to providing you with unmatched customer service. With a VIP experience for all clients and available financing options, it’s no wonder the Phoenix community considers us the best in home comfort.
Schedule your insulation services with our experts by calling (480) 550-9943 now!