There are so many types of insulation available that it can be difficult to decide which is best for your needs. Take into consideration what purpose your insulation needs to serve, as well as the types of weather it must endure. This guide should help give you an overview of the basic types that are available.
Cellulose – Cellulose is made up of approximately 75 percent recycled paper, which makes it an environmentally sound choice. Over time, however, it can become moldy if it gets wet and lose its insulating properties.
Cotton – Cotton is also an environmentally sound choice as it is both natural and renewable. It causes very few allergy problems but can cost twice as much as fiberglass in some cases.
Fiberglass – Recycled glass and silica sand are used to make fiberglass. This insulation is very effective in colder climates, but manufacturers are still required to label the material as possible cancer-causing. If not properly handled, it can cause irritation to skin and lungs.
Foam – This is the best for energy-saving but also has the greatest impact on the environment while being made.
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) – Recycled plastic bottles are used to make this. It is one of the most effective insulation products in all but wet climates.
Polystyrene – This comes in two varieties, blueboard and beadboard. The flame retardant used in these has been considered a health and environmental concern.
Polyurethane – This spray foam is insect- and water-resistant and expands to fill the space necessary, making it very effective in all environments. Both the spray method and materials have undergone recent changes that make them environmentally safe.
Mineral Wool – This takes a lot of energy to produce but is made up of anywhere between 70 and 90 percent recycled material. It is very durable and doesn’t lose its insulating properties when wet.
For more help in choosing the insulation that is right for you, contact Aggressive Mechanical Contractors. Our family has been serving the Monmouth County area for three generations and would love to serve your family.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Monmouth County, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “gcpics/Shutterstock”
The post What Type of Insulation Should You Use? appeared first on Aggressive Mechanical Contractors, Inc..