Insulation: A Look at Your Options

If you're concerned about the environment or your electricity bills, you really can't go wrong with any insulation options (other than the choice to do without it altogether). Of course, modern methods of insulating a home are greener than ever, even if the material itself happens to be pink. The concept itself has to be looked at from a couple of perspectives. Clearly, cutting down on energy waste in a home is one of the best things you can do for both your personal financial situation and the environment. But consumers are also interested in making sure the material is made in such a way that doesn't cancel the energy savings. Whether or not you're interested in contributing to environmental safety, it's important to know all of your options. Here are some of the most popular.

Overview

Before you begin looking at material options (which generally fall into two categories: fiber and foam), you should familiarize yourself with how insulation is graded. Performance is measured with a system called the R-value. This number is derived from tests that determine the best level of thickness in a home in a given environment. You can find out the R-value recommended for your home by looking up your climate zone and comparing it to a chart designed for this purpose. Many home improvement stores can show you the chart, or you can find it online. This will give you a starting point.

Fiber

The most common form of insulation is made from fiber materials. Cellulose is an example of this, being constructed from old newsprint pages and comprised of over 85% recycled materials. The additional makeup is comprised of fire retardant compounds. This can be dry blown or wet sprayed and comes with a higher R-value than fiberglass at the same cost. Speaking of fiberglass, it is probably the most common form of insulating material. It is itchy to the touch, but it gets the job done. Other options include cotton, mineral wool, and sheep's wool.

Foam

Foam is growing in popularity as a material for insulation purposes. The types available to the homeowner may include cementitious, which is made from a mixture of air, magnesium oxide cement, and water. It is praised not only for its ability to get into all the cracks, but its power to repel fire, mold, and various pests. Polyurethane material, closely related to another option -- polycynene, is derived from oil and is highly prized for its ability to cut energy costs. Talk to your insulation contractor about the range of options they offer.