The Pros and Cons of Different Insulation Materials
Ufema Contracting hopes everyone had a great Thanksgiving! There is always something to be thankful for, and we’d like to thank everyone for tuning in and reading our blog posts. As the days get darker and the nights get colder, the importance of insulating your home needs to be discussed. Previously, we talked about insulating your home with sheep’s wool, but today, we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of different insulation materials. Since all homes are different and each homeowner may desire different results, don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss what material might be well-suited for your home.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is the most well-known insulation material and has been around for decades. This material is lightweight and improves the overall energy efficiency of the home. Fiberglass insulation benefits from being fire-resistant, mold-resistant, DIY-friendly, and widely available. Unfortunately, it does lack in the soundproofing department and easily irritates the skin.
Mineral Wool
Mineral Wool is a type of insulation that’s created by spinning fibers of minerals (metal or rock) into a wool-like material. Mineral wool also improves energy efficiency more than fiberglass insulation. The benefits of mineral wool are that it’s naturally fire-resistant and is a good thermal insulant. All good things must come to an end because if left damp, rock wool can foster mold growth. It’s also heavier and more costly than its fiberglass counterpart.
Spray Foam
In the past 10 years or so, spray foam has become increasingly popular in new builds and home remodels. This insulation material allows the user to spray the foam in its designated place for it to expand, thus creating an insulating barrier. Spray foam performs extremely well at sealing air gaps and improving energy efficiency. Since the foam creates an airtight barrier, a benefit to it is that it minimizes mold growth. Liquid spray foam can also be sprayed virtually anywhere it’s needed, making it extremely adaptable. Sadly, spray foam isn’t DIY-friendly and costs more than other insulation types. Since it doesn’t dry right away, the foam takes time to cure.
Cellulose
Cellulose is made from recycled paper, making it a very eco-friendly alternative to the insulation materials previously mentioned. Of course, the recycled paper is treated with fire-resistant chemicals to create a safe insulation material. Besides being eco-friendly, this insulation material benefits by being fire-resistant and can keep homes insulated in all climates. Unfortunately, the drawbacks of Cellulose are that it attracts pests, loose particles can cause allergy concerns with dust, and it’s heavier than other insulation materials.
Natural Fibers
Various types of natural insulation exist for a homeowner to choose from. This could be as simple as the sheep’s wool we have used to insulate a home or hemp fibers. The main benefit of using natural materials for home insulation is how eco-friendly they are. Another friendly alternative is denim insulation which consists of recycled denim shredded to create a material suitable for homes. Whichever natural insulation material you choose, will be conditioned with fire-resistant chemicals for maximum safety.
Not every insulation material needs to be conventional. Each homeowner has their own unique want for their home. Spray foam has become increasingly popular nowadays due to its effectiveness while sheep’s wool has started to become common due to how environmentally friendly it is. Whatever insulation material you choose, our team of professionals ensures every client is happy with their renovation. Each home project should be discussed with a professional who can make sure the proper design and building codes are met for the job. Feel free to give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your home needs and be sure to head to https://www.ufemacontractinginc.com/ to request an estimate for your next project.