Many homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, and yours could be one of them. While many homes have some type of insulation to keep homeowners mildly comfortable, having the proper insulation won’t just keep you comfortable, but it will also save you money on your energy bill and help the environment. Keep reading to learn about three different kinds of insulation you can add to your home to be comfortable, save money, and help the environment.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is the most popular type of home insulation in the U.S. and comes in various forms such as blanket, loose-fill-and-blow-in, and rigid fibers. It’s made from recycled fine glass fibers, hence the name, and can come in various thicknesses to provide the right amount of insulation your home needs. This type of insulation works by trapping air bubbles so they can’t affect the temperature of your home. And although fiberglass is effective and popular, it’s also a dangerous skin and lung irritant, which means you must wear a protective face mask and clothing.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose is the oldest form of home insulation in the U.S., joining the insulation game in the 1950s and becoming widespread in the 1970s. It’s a loose-fill-and-blow-in fiber insulation made from recycled paper and denim that’s heavily treated with chemicals to protect your home from pests and decrease fire hazards. Dense pack cellulose insulation can also provide soundproofing. Unfortunately, this type of insulation can often settle after installation, leaving gaps inside your walls that allow energy to escape and pests to get in. If cellulose insulation gets wet, it loses all of its fire-retardant properties because the chemical treatment is ruined.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is a newer type of home insulation, gaining traction in the insulation world since the late 1980s. It’s made by combining isocyanate, a type of highly reactive, low molecular weight chemical, with polyol resin, an organic compound. The combination results in a foam that can be sprayed in any space, and once applied, will never lose its shape, unlike cellulose. And unlike fiberglass, spray foam doesn’t just trap air bubbles; it completely seals them out. This type of insulation also prevents pest intrusions and mold growth. And as long as it’s installed properly by professionals, the chemicals involved will have no negative effect on your health.
Fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam are three different kinds of insulation you can add to your home if it is under-insulated, or your current insulation has problems. Adding or replacing insulation will keep your home more comfortable and require less energy, so you can save money on your energy bill and help the planet. If you’re looking for additional ways to save money and help the planet, consider upgrading to solar energy. If you live in DuPage, Kane, or Winnebago county and need a solar company, we can help you unlock the financial, environmental, and independent benefits of using solar energy.