| When Choosing Materials For An Insulated Attic, Which Are Better? |
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| Environment - Energy Saving |
| Written by Edward Nave |
| Wednesday, 10 June 2009 08:24 |
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When choosing insulation there are 4 groups to consider they are; loose fill, foam board, Spray on foam and batt and blanket. All has job they are better suited for. Each has good characteristics and bad, with some R factor higher than the others. I will explain the difference between them so you can decide which one suits you.
When choosing insulation there are 4 groups to consider they are; loose fill, foam board, Spray on foam and batt and blanket. All has job they are better suited for. Each has good characteristics and bad, with some R factor higher than the others. I will explain the difference between them so you can decide which one suits you. Spray foam is one type to consider when choosing insulation. The insulation comes in easy to use bottles. It's sprayed into the area to be insulated. It expands as its sprayed filling all the cracks, giving a better coverage. The initial cost is more, but unlike the others you do not need to winterize later. You will find it in insulated attics and finished walls. It's the best to use in tight enclosed places. The loose fill is similar to spray foam because it to is blown into the area. There are two types Cellulose, fiberglass and rock wool. Like spray foam it is used in finished walls and insulated attics. Its R factor is 3 or 4 with cellulose having a 30% higher R factor. When choosing insulation the next one to consider is batt and blanket. It is either processed fiberglass or rock wool. This insulation is the cheapest to install. To ensure effectiveness proper insulation is crucial. It can come in 4-8 ft sections, or rolls. It's found in insulated attics floors and walls. Its best used between studs 16-24' apart. The R factor is R3 per square inch. When choosing insulation batt and blanket insulation should be considered. This insulation comes in either 8' sheets or rolls. It's made from fiberglass or rock wool. It is cheaper per inch. special precautions are needed when installing. This is generally used in unfinished products like walls and insulated attics. The last is spray foam; this is liquid insulation that is made from polyurethane or urethane and a foaming agent. The liquid is sprayed into areas, expanding as it drives to cover the entire section. It's often found in insulated attics and finished walls. It's especially handy in odd shaped and small enclosed places. It's more expensive, but you're not required to caulk, or house wrap after insulation. When choosing insulation you can be sure that all 4 types are environmental friendly. Fiberglass and slag wool both are made from recycled material, foam boards biodegrades in moisture. The spray on foam does not contain any harmful chemicals. There are four types to consider when choosing insulation, Batt and blanket, foam board, spray foam and loose fill. Cellulose and the foam board are not flame resistant, the others are. Loose fill and spray foam can be blown into the finished product, the others can't. All are found in attic insulation and walls. About the Author: AtticInsulationGuide.com is the Internet's premier resource for DIY attic insulation, with facts and articles on topics such as reflective insulation, and much more. Click the links above for more information ! |