Common Types of Insulation Explained - North Twin Builders insulation

Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Fiberglass batt insulation is good in walls because it is enclosed on all 6 sides. Since fiberglass doesn’t stop air flow, if it is exposed to air at all it becomes an air filter. Chances are that your furnace filter is made from fiberglass. Often we encounter clients with air leaks around their can lights. When we take a look at their attic, the fiberglass around the light box is dirty indicating that the air is flowing through and the fiberglass is acting as a filter to collect dust particles.

If you look at the packaging of R-19 fiberglass batts, it says that it is not for attics or crawlspaces yet that does not stop some contractors from using it in those places. This will lead to higher heating bills, possible mold and moisture issues, and is not good for your home or comfort. Fiberglass also makes a good home and nesting material for rodents such as mice, squirrels and even raccoons.

Blown In Insulation

Blown in insulation is great if you use the correct type. Fiberglass blown in insulation it does nothing to help your R values if it is not sealed on all sides. Blown in cellulose is made from bits of newspaper, and does not allow air to freely flow. This makes blown in cellulose an affordable yet effective insulation. If a client has fiberglass in their attic already, we will encapsulate that insulation with blown in cellulose. This way the client finally gets the intended R value of their fiberglass as well as the added R value of the cellulose. There’s no point in throwing out the existing insulation unless rodents, mold or moisture have made it unusable.

Spray Foam Insulation

This is the most expensive per square foot of all the insulations. But it also is the best as it gives the best R value per inch on the market. And it is its own vapor barrier, so you don’t have the worries of moisture retention and mold. During installation, as it expands in the cavity, it fills any holes or cracks and creates an airtight seal.

Spray foam also has an indefinite lifespan. The benefits of spray foam will be enjoyed for years without needing to re-insulate as it performs at optimal levels for extended periods of time. It also helps reduce energy consumption thus creating a ‘greener’ household. Designed to last indefinitely, it produces fewer consumed materials.

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