Insulation is any substance in a building utilized as insulation for some specific purpose. While most of the insulation in houses is purely for electrical purposes, the phrase also includes storm insulation, soundproof insulation, and mold and mildew insulation. There are different kinds of insulation. Some are commonly used, while others have more potential applications. Insulation Utah can be polystyrene, mineral wool, cellulose fiberboard, or rolled cellulose.
Thermal insulation uses a dense and air-tight material to reduce heat loss through a structure. It’s the one commonly seen in attics and crawlspaces. It’s also referred to as loft insulation. The primary benefit of thermal insulation is that it reduces energy efficiency. Still, it doesn’t control moisture, so it cannot be a good option for insulating homes with a wet/dry climate.
Soundproof insulation works by reducing the amount of noise the space can hold. The way it works is by keeping sounds from penetrating through the spaces between the walls, doors, and ceiling. This is accomplished by creating a barrier of noise-reducing material used on the foundation wall, interior margins of occupied spaces, and other points where sound travels. This material is generally made of fiberglass, but can also be constructed using sheet metal, foam, plastics, or even natural fibers.
Another form of insulation is radiant barrier insulation, which is comprised of sheets of rigid foam insulation placed in the attic. This type of insulation works well in the attic because it’s more difficult to install and maintain than Soundproof insulation. Rigid foam insulation comes in rolls similar to insulation sheets. You’ll find that there are several companies that make both types of product, including Grafton, Neatwall, and Silhouette. Radiant barrier insulation has its benefits and disadvantages. Radiant barrier does not hold heat like a rigid foam insulation does, so it will not keep your attic from getting too hot in the summertime, but it will keep your heating costs down.
Another type of insulation that is sometimes used to build an attic is cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation is created out of polystyrene beads and scraps from lumber. The percentage of cellulose in the product is based on the amount of lumber that is required to fill the entire structure. Generally, cellulose insulation is installed in the attic, but can also be applied to wall cavities and beneath floors and in basements.
Finally, you may want to consider the use of insulation on your outside walls. There are several options available for exterior insulation including fiberglass insulation, wood fiberboard insulation, wool insulation, cotton fiberboard insulation, or marine wool insulation. All of these products provide superior energy efficiency, are inexpensive, durable, attractive, and easy to maintain. If you’re looking for a way to improve your home’s energy efficiency without spending hundreds of dollars, insulation from marine fiberboard and wool should be considered.
In terms of exterior insulation, sheet metal, mineral wool, fiberglass batt insulation and spray foam insulation are all available in rolls similar to fiberglass batt insulation. In addition, sheet metal and mineral wool are available in loom form. Spray foam insulation is available as a spray, liquid, or powder that can be applied directly to the exterior walls. It comes pre-installed and ready to install with an easy to follow installation process.
As you can see, insulation fiberglass is a great choice for homeowners who are looking for energy efficiency and are not trying to go overboard with a decorative look. If cost is a concern, sheet metal and mineral wool will both provide good energy loss protection. Unfortunately, cellulose seems to have a bad rap. While cellulose does help reduce heat loss, it has been found that most homes that use cellulose insulation suffer from severe energy loss. In other words, while cellulose may be convenient, it can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.