Basic Types of Insulation
Types of Insulation – The Basic Forms
Fiberglass Roll
Wool Roll
Blankets: Batts or Rolls
* Fiber glass
* Rock wool
Method of Insulation:
Fitted between studs, joists and beams
Where:
All unfinished walls, floors and ceilings Do-it-yourself.
Advantages:
Suited for standard stud and joist spacing, which is relatively free from obstructions.
Blown In Fiberglass
Loose-Fill (blown-in) or Spray-applied
* Rock wool
* Fiber glass
* Polyurethane foam
Method of Insulation:
Blown into place or spray applied by special equipment
Where:
Enclosed existing wall cavities or open new wall cavities; Unfinished attic floors and hard to reach places
Advantages:
Commonly used insulation for retrofits (adding insulation to existing finished areas).
Good for irregularly shaped areas and around obstructions.
Rigid Polyurethane Foam Board
Rigid Insulation
* Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS)
* Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS or beadboard)
* Polyurethane foam
* Polyisocyanurate foam
Method of Insulation:
Interior applications: Must be covered with 1/2-inch gypsum board or other building-code approved material for fire safety.
Exterior applications: Must be covered with weather-proof facing
Where:
Basement walls
Exterior walls under finishing (Some foam boards include a foil facing which will act as a vapor retarder. Please read the discussion about where to place, or not to place, a vapor retarder.)
Unvented low slope roofs.
Advantages:
High insulating value for relatively little thickness.
Can block thermal short circuits when installed continuously over frames or joists.
Foil Bubble Roll
Reflective Systems
* Foil-faced paper
* Foil-faced polyethylene bubbles
* Foil-faced plastic film
* Foil-faced cardboard
Method of Insulation:
Foils, films, or papers: Fitted between wood-frame studs joists, and beams Unfinished ceilings, walls, and floors Do-it-yourself.
Where:
All suitable for framing at standard spacing. Bubble-form suitable if framing is irregular or if obstructions are present.
Advantages:
Effectiveness depends on spacing and heat flow direction.
Vermiculite
Perlite
Loose-Fill (poured in) Vermiculite or Perlite
Not currently used for home insulation, but may be found in older homes
