High heating and cooling bills. Hot spots and cold spots. Mold and mildew. These are just some of the issues that can arise due to poor, improper or insufficient insulation. Investing the time and money into selecting the right type of insulation for your home now can save you a lot of drafty nights—and stacks of bills—down the road. But knowing exactly what type of insulation is right for your home and where to use it isn’t obvious to everyone—thank goodness for knowledgeable and experienced contractors. There’s also the added complication of knowing where in your home different types of insulation might work best as factors such as dampness and airflow play crucial roles.
Cost is always a consideration but there’s more to it than the cost of materials and installation. The wrong installation will cost you money—and more than a few cold winter nights—in higher hydro bills, repairs, and, eventually, replacements. Paying more money upfront for higher quality insulation will definitely save you money in the long run.
Generally speaking, the three most common types of insulation are fibreglass, cellulose, and foam. While your home will most likely make use of at least one of those types of insulation, there’s also mineral wool, natural fibres, and even, of all things, denim.
Fibreglass Insulation
Fibreglass insulation—also known as glass wool—is the most common type of home insulation. It is made, as the name suggests, from glass fibres. Even though fibreglass insulation is the most common and affordable type, that shouldn’t indicate to anyone that it is the best. Other types of insulation are better at heat and cool retention and are safer.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation—what we at Tropical specialize in—is made primarily of recycled newspapers and enhanced with fire retardant materials. Cellulose is amongst the most energy-efficient of all types of insulation as it makes use of recycled materials and provides superior heat and cold retention. Cellulose insulation can be just as affordable as fibreglass but provides far better results at the same or similar price.
Spray Foam Insulation
There are many different types of spray foam insulation. There’s polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, and polyurethane—all types of plastic—and that’s just naming a few. In short, foam insulation is highly effective and just as expensive. Contractors most commonly use spray foam insulation to block airflow in places where it is likeliest to occur, i.e., the nooks and crannies of your attic. Contractors will then complete the insulation with other types as blanketing the entire surface area of your inner roof or walls with foam would be uneconomical.
Other Types of Insulation
Other types of insulation such as mineral wool make use of industrial by-products or, in the case of denim insulation, recycled consumer goods. While these options provide variety, they are most commonly used to complement other forms of insulation.
Talk to Your Contractor
Whether you’re considering using fibreglass insulation or something more inventive such as denim, you’ll want to talk to your contractor first. Various factors play a role in determining which type—or combination of types—of insulation will best fit your home. And whenever you’re ready to pack the walls, Tropical Insulation is standing by to meet all of your cellulose insulation needs. We supply high-quality insulation and work with only the best and most qualified professionals to ensure that your insulation is installed properly. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you build the homes of your dreams.