The area of the home you are insulating: for example, an existing wall will benefit more from blown insulation, while rolled or batt insulation is better for new walls.
Blown-in attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to enhance your home's thermal performance and reduce energy bills. However, like all insulation options, it has its advantages and potential drawbacks.
Aerogel is one of the most advanced insulation materials available, with up to 90% air content, making it extremely lightweight and highly effective at reducing energy loss.
So having in mind that spray foam, fiberglass, and cellulose are the three mostly used insulation materials we made a comparison, and here are the results: Spray foam has by far the highest R-value, which is crucial for homes in extremely cold climates.
Practical and durable: When comparing batt insulation vs. blown cellulose, keep in mind that batt insulation is a more effective thermal barrier. The thermal performance of loose fill insulation will not last for the life of the building. Most blown-in insulation materials will settle and lose R-value over time.
Can cause mold and mildew – Because blown-in cellulose is made of paper products, it soaks up any and all moisture in the insulated area. A roof leak, pipe leak or high humidity can cause water to infiltrate the insulation, and insulated areas take a long time to dry back out.
Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install. Fiberglass batt is also incredibly energy efficient, as it helps to slow the spread of hot and cold air.
The best insulator in the world right now is most probably aerogel, with silica aerogels having thermal conductivities of less than 0.03 W/m*K in atmosphere. of aerogel preventing ice from melting on a hot plate at 80 degrees Celsius! Aerogel has its amazing properties because it's mostly made out of air.
Fibreglass insulation is the most effective for frigid climates; it can be applied to walls, lofts, and other areas where heat may escape. Adding insulation can reduce energy costs and maintain a comfortable residence throughout the winter.
The thinnest insulation material currently available on the market is the 10mm Aerogel blanket. Its manufacturing technology is highly interesting, and its appearance resembles frozen smoke. For some, aerogel is synonymous with time frozen and suspended in space.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam also offers a high R-value per inch, but while spray foam insulation has a lot of benefits, it is also one of the most expensive types of insulation. Professional installation is recommended to ensure that the foam is applied evenly, effectively, and safely.
Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) are among the most advanced insulation materials on the market. They use a vacuum-sealed core to achieve exceptional thermal resistance, often far superior to traditional options like fiberglass or foam. Pros: Ultra-thin panels conserve space while providing top-tier insulation.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.
Both types offer excellent attic insulation and both types will resist fire, moisture, and mold. Spray foam insulation has the highest R-value, but it comes at a cost—you can achieve the same outcome with blown-in fiberglass for a much lower price.
Both cellulose and fiberglass are energy-efficient insulation materials, but cellulose has a slight edge due to its higher R-value. The R-value for cellulose insulation is approximately 3.2 to 3.8 per inch, while fiberglass insulation typically has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch.
For a cold roof insulation job, the most popular insulation materials are usually mineral wool and fibreglass. This is because they are budget-friendly and still quite thermally efficient.
Loose-fill insulation can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls, or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Cellulose, fiberglass, and rock wool are typically blown in by experienced installers skilled at achieving the correct density and R-values.
The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
Aerogel Insulation Technology
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).
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.
Blown fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.2 to 3.8, making it slightly less likely than rolled fiberglass to prevent the flow of heat into and out of your house. That being said, though, blown fiberglass insulation isn't meant to cover huge areas like rolled fiberglass insulation.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation levels of R-49 to R-60 for most homes in colder climates, and R-30 to R-49 for homes in warmer climates.