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Which Types of Insulation is Best for Your Home?

Adding insulation to your home not only helps to keep it warmer in winter but can also help you save up to 15% on your energy bill. However, when it comes to choosing the right kind of insulation, many homeowners are left wondering which material is best. In today’s blog, we look at types of insulation and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Common types of insulation 

Types of home insulation #1: Fibreglass insulation

As one of the most common types of insulation, fibreglass insulation is made of many thin glass strands forming a very fine, dense fabric. Fibreglass is resistant to mould, mildew, fungus, insects, and rodents and has excellent fire-resistant properties due to the chemical stability of glass fibres. It’s a versatile, cost-effective material that performs well in a range of applications. In homes, fibreglass insulation is installed between wall studs to help reduce energy loss from heating and cooling. In commercial buildings, loose-fill fibreglass insulates vast areas such as atriums or interior spaces.

Advantages of fibreglass insulation include:

  • Inexpensive and effective
  • Fire and pest resistant
  • Can be used for ceilings and wall cavities

Types of insulation #2: Polyurethane spray foam

Polyurethane spray foam is also an excellent choice to insulate wall cavities, attics, roofs, between floors and more. It can also bridge wide gaps, and because it’s water-resistant, it can even be used in or around wet areas, like basements or along shower walls. The foam conforms perfectly to uneven surfaces for a superior seal, making it a highly versatile insulation material.

Types of Polyurethane spray foam 

Open-Cell Spray Foam

Open-cell spray foam is the ideal solution for your home’s application. This material is light enough to use as a space filler and, with an open-cell structure, provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Insulation uses include being applied directly to walls and ceilings or onto an existing substrate of wood, concrete, plastic, gypsum and many more.

Closed cell spray foam

If you are looking for a moisture-resistant barrier to help prevent water intrusion, closed spray foam insulation is an ideal choice. Spray foam insulation can also help improve the overall energy efficiency of your home or building by reducing heat loss or gain.

Advantages of Polyurethane spray foam insulation include:

  • Moisture and mold resistant
  • Quick to apply
  • Extremely high thermal insulation

Types of home insulation #3: Cellulose Insulation

A natural, environmentally friendly insulation that helps keep your home comfortable all year long, cellulose fibre is a loose-fill material made from recycled newspaper. Insulation uses include being applied between wall studs and floor joists, blown straight to the interior wall cavity, or poured directly into any area of your home.

Advantages of cellulose insulation include:

  • Environmentally friendly
  • Reduces noise
  • Cheaper than fibreglass

Types of home insulation #4: Rock wool insulation

Rock wool insulation is a type of fibre insulation composed principally of rock and slag mineral fibres. Though more expensive, Rock wool insulation is gaining popularity as it offers fewer health risks than fibreglass and offers excellent moisture, fire, and pest resistance. This type of insulation can be used in everything from roofs, interior and exterior walls, ceilings and more.

Advantages of Rock wool Insulation include:

  • Superior moisture, fire, and rodent resistance
  • Reduces noise
  • Highly versatile 

Interested to learn more?

We hope our blog on types of insulation has given you some ideas on the best insulation uses for your home. If you’re currently constructing a home or undertaking renovations, we offer a wide range of timber supplies for any application. You can browse our timber online, give us a call on 07 3266 9000 or pop into our yard in person located at 33 Vauxhall St Virginia QLD 4014. For the hardware supplies Brisbane homeowners trust for quality, choose Versace Timbers.

 

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