Insulation: Find the Right Product

First of all, what are the types of insulation on the market today? A quick look shows that there are many different kinds. There are roll, loose fill, rigid board, spray applied, poured-in, radiant and a combination of any of the above that can be used on your home when it comes to insulating.

So, how do you narrow down the options? When speaking with contractors, you will find that the main insulators are the batt or roll, loose fill or blown and injected types. For sake of making the decision easier, let’s break down these three types to see if anyone them are right for your home.

First of all, the batt or roll insulation is probably the most recognizable. Everyone think of the pink fiberglass rolls that go between the inner and outer wall. With good reason, this is the most popular way to insulate a house. It’s very affordable, easy for contractors to use, can take moisture and works on large and small projects.

As manufacturers have improved on the roll insulating, trying to find insulators made of more natural recycled materials that are easier for do it yourselfers, they have created the blown or loose fill insulators. These are basically as named: materials blown in or loosely filled into spaces like attics and other quirky surfaces. People find it easier to work with because it isn’t itchy fiberglass and can be applied by anyone.

However, the creation of loose fill or blown forms of insulation didn’t fix some of the overall problems of the batt or roll versions. Neither product takes a lot of moisture and is extremely attractive to mice, rats and other unwanted guests. Both forms aren’t completely airtight and can only be applied while building a home or with extreme caution later.

This leads the way to the injected insulators. These products are some form of polyurethane foam, either injected by the homeowner or blown in by a contractor. The foam addresses the failures of the other insulators. It is airtight and unattractive to rodents. Most forms will take moisture and are easy for do it yourselfers to use. They can be injected with a kit to small spaces when do small home renovation projects or can be blown into large spaces.

Finding the right insulating for your home and project may be merely a question of cost and convenience. If you are in the building process you have the most options and you should really discuss these with your contractor. There are choices specific to projects like insulating your attic or basement, as well.

Talk to your contractor, home specialist or hardware store to find out which insulation product is recommended for your house. With the help of an expert you can find insulating that will keep your home warm and dry.