The higher the R-value number, the better the thermal protection against heat transfer from outside sources into your home/business environment (or vice versa). Spray foam has a higher R-value rating than fiberglass that makes it more effective at preventing heat transfer from inside or outside.
Vacuum insulated panels have the highest R-value, approximately R-45 (in U.S. units) per inch; aerogel has the next highest R-value (about R-10 to R-30 per inch), followed by polyurethane (PUR) and phenolic foam insulations with R-7 per inch.
In many ways, mineral wool is a superior insulation product. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a greener product than fiberglass at 20-30% recycled material..
However, for the environmentally conscious consumer, there are a number of alternative, eco-friendly insulation solutions available, including soy-based materials, wool, hemp, and even recycled denim.
Made from recycled materials - stone wool insulation is typically made from up to 70% recycled materials, making it a good sustainable choice for making your home more eco-friendly. High R value - rockwool insulation has a higher R value than fibreglass insulation (3.0 to 3.3 per inch compared to 2.2 to 2.7 per inch).
Cons of Rockwool Insulation
Rockwool insulation tends to be more expensive than other insulation options, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious homeowners. Rockwool also has a higher pH level which can make it unsuitable for certain environments, especially where chemical sensitivity is a concern.
The Higher R-Value the Better The higher the number the better job the insulation will do at keeping heat and sound in or out of your home. Cellulouse Insulation has a R-value rating of 3.6-4.0 cubic inches, which is one of the highest ratings in the industry.
Thermablok® Aerogel is a revolutionary advancement in thermal technology offering the thinnest insulation available to prevent thermal and cold bridging. Classed as a Super Insulation, Aerogel has the highest insulation value of any known material with the lowest thermal conductivity value of any solid (0.015W/mK).
Certain types of insulation, such as cellulose and mineral wool, can be mistaken for fiberglass due to their similar appearance and use in construction. Asbestos, while less common today, also resembles fiberglass. Each of these materials has its own health implications if inhaled.
SafeTouch Fiberglass-Free Insulation, available in R-13 and R-19, is manufactured from the same polyester fiber material used in clothing and bedding and contains no glass dust or added chemicals. The insulation is not considered a food source for mold and so won't harbor molds behind the walls. 866.583. 2583.
E Glass has a strength-to-weight of 564, while carbon fiber has a strength-to-weight of 1013 — nearly twice as strong. This high strength relative to weight means that manufacturers need to use far less carbon fiber when pultruding a given product.
It's essential to wear protective clothing and a mask when installing fibreglass insulation to prevent any health risks. Overall, fibreglass insulation is the cheapest and most effective insulation option available, making it a popular choice for homeowners and builders alike.
Air Leakage
Fiberglass insulation is less dense than other types of insulation and does not create an airtight seal, which means air can travel freely through the insulation. This is called air leakage and it's one of the most common sources of energy loss in a house.
High R-value: Because foam board insulation has a greater R-value than standard fiberglass/batt insulation, it is more effective at insulating and decreasing heat loss.
The best kind of rigid foam insulation is polyisocyanurate, also known as polyiso. It has the highest R-rating of any rigid foam insulation and comes with a reflective foil on both sides, allowing it to act as a radiant barrier as well.
This 'poor mans fiberglass' is an old boat deck sealing technique (and used else where) where bare wood is sealed by gluing a fabric to the surface and then painting the fabric. The glue should be water resistant and the paint an exterior grade water resistant as well for best results.
When looking at thermoplastics that would typically be used in place of fiberglass, we generally see TPO and ABS. TPO is typically used on cosmetic parts, while ABS is a more common replacement for fiberglass.
Exposure to fiberglass can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also cause itching and irritation when the fibers get stuck in the skin.
Rigid foam board insulation is available in many materials, including polystyrene (R-3.8 to R-5.0), polyurethane (R-5.5 to R-6.5) and polyisocyanurate (R-5.6 to R-8.0). Since it has the highest R-value, rigid foam is typically reserved for foundations and basement walls.
The optimal R-value for most homes is 30, but you can go as high as 38 if you live in a tropical climate. Anything higher than 38 indicates an over-insulated space. While you might think that too much insulation can't be bad, there are some significant consequences to consider.
Aerogel insulation offers the highest R-value of any insulating material at less weight and thickness—ideal for construction, refineries, pipelines, and thin-gap thermal barriers. Browse our superior selection of superinsulating aerogel blankets below.
Mineral wool insulation, also known as rock wool, is an excellent soundproofing option for blocking the transmission of sound. It has a thicker density and effectively absorbs standard sound waves.
Our flagship product, Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound, is a viscoelastic damping compound which dissipates sound vibrations when layered between two sheets of drywall. It's the most popular and cost-effective soundproofing material on the market and application is fast, simple and effective.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, R-values for exterior walls in colder climates should be at least R-13 to R-23. In milder climates, a lower R-value may be sufficient. For example, in a moderate climate, an R-value of R-13 to R-15 is typically recommended.