Insulation Choices

• The Different Types of Insulation
• Spray Foam: Open vs. Closed
• Contractor or Do It Yourself
• In Closing

High-quality insulation is one of the best investments you’ll make for your home. The price of better insulation is quickly paid back by the money you'll save on your utility bills.

Attics, crawlspaces, basement ceilings and exterior walls are the most critical locations for improving your insulation. Once installed properly, insulation can save you 20 to 50 percent on your monthly heating and cooling bills.

Most homeowners are aware that air leaks into and out of their houses. This happens through small openings around doors and window frames, and through fireplaces and chimneys. What many don’t realize is that air also enters the living space from other unheated parts of the house. Attics, basements, or crawlspaces often contribute significantly to high energy costs. Most insulation types will not stop these leaks and you won't save as much as you expect because of the air flowing through or around the insulation.

The Different Types Of Insulation

The first important factor to consider when you’re purchasing insulation is the R-value. The R-factor is the insulation's ability to keep heat in during the winter, and heat out during the summer. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation is.

The second critical thing is to stop air leaks before installing insulation. The insulation may hide the sources of the leaks and make them less accessible. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 40 percent of heating and cooling costs are wasted through uncontrolled air leakage within the building envelope.

Depending upon what insulation you choose, it may not be enough to stop air leaks. That means you won't save as much as you expect because of the air flowing through or around the insulation.

Fiberglass Batting

Fiberglass batting is the most common form of insulation in most walls and floors. Batting comes with or without a vapor retarder. When installing batting, make sure to place the vapor retarder is placed closest to the heated side. Fiberglass batting requires support because it is not very rigid.

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Expanded Polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene insulation is less expensive and very easy to handle but doesn't offer much protection from the cold. It has a low R-value compared even to fiberglass. It can also be used to hold fiberglass batting in place in walls.

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Blown

Blown insulation is best used in flat wide areas. A hopper holds the loose material and the material is pushed through a hose. Normally installed by a professional, but you can save some money by renting the equipment. In fact, you may be able to use the equipment for free if you buy enough insulation from the company.

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Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a light weight material with insulating properties. There are two types of vermiculite: untreated and treated. The treated material is coated with asphalt to make it water-repellent for use in high moisture areas. Untreated vermiculite absorbs water, and once wet, dries very slowly.

Untreated vermiculite has an R-value of 2.3 per inch (RSI 0.016/mm) compared to R-2.5 (RSI 0.017) for the treated material. Vermiculite is usually hand-installed, and is suitable for both horizontal and vertical applications. It is not usually the material of choice where a high R-value is desired.

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Polyurethane Spray Foam

Polyurethane Spray foam comes out as a pliable foam that then expands and hardens. After a minute it is tack free and within 5 minutes it cures. This forms a durable and long-lasting seal. The spray makes it quick to apply and allows it to fill gaps, voids, and irregular spaces. Spray Foam b locks airflow by expanding and sealing off leaks, gaps and penetrations.

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Spray Foam: Open Vs. Closed

If you decide to use spray foam insulation because it provides the best benefits for your project, there’s still another choice to make between Open and Closed Cell foam.

Open-cell foam is often soft like a cushion because air fills the spaces in the material.  Air and moisture can move through these open cells.  The R-Value of Open Cell foam is typically between 3 and 4 per inch. 

Closed-cell foam is usually strong and rigid because the closed cells greatly reduce the ability of air and water to move through the foam.  The R-Value of closed-cell foam is generally from 5.5 to 7 per inch. 

Verdict: Closed Cell Spray Foam is frequently the best choice. Closed Cell Foam keeps out moisture, takes less space, and can be done yourself.  Open cell foam is less expensive per inch but requires a contractor and far worse for many applications, absorbs moisture.

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Contractor or Do It Yourself

The final factor to consider for your insulation project is whether or not you want to hire a contractor or Do It Yourself. One of the most important factors to consider here is the size of the project. Most Projects less than 5,000 square feet will not be considered by contractors because of the expense and time needed to set up the rig. One possible option is the contractor will use the very same DIY Closed Foam Spray Foam Kits but at a higher cost to you.

Verdict: For many projects, DIY spray foam insulation kits are the best, most economical form of insulation. Closed Cell Spray Fam Insulation Kits are very quick to learn, and easy to get right the first time.  DIY spray foam kits often give a better return on investment from the start because foam expands to fill gaps and seal out air.  These kits can pay for themselves quicker, meaning more savings on energy costs.

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In Closing

High-quality insulation is one of the best investments you’ll make for your home. The price of better insulation is quickly paid back by the money you'll save on your utility bills. Once installed properly, insulation can save you 20 to 50 percent on your monthly heating and cooling bills

For most projects, DIY Spray Foam Insulation kits are the best, most economical form of insulation. The Closed Cell Spray Foam insulation Kits are very quick to learn, and easy to get right the first time. Because it expands to fill gaps and seals out air, DIY Spray Foam Kits frequently give a better return on investment from the start. That means more savings on energy costs.

Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation Kits make it easy to seal air leaks in your building envelope. Making certain these leaks are closed will give you a great return on your insulation investment.

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