Different Types of Wall Insulation
Why EcoFoam is better than the other forms of insulation on the market
Choosing wall insulation for your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make for the future wellbeing of you and your family. The right material can save you hundreds of dollars a year in energy bills and can keep you warm and secure for the remainder of your time in the residence. The wrong material can be financially unbearable and can cause dozens of problems throughout the home, not just warmth and costs, but shoddy material can literally ruin a building and your health. Thus when choosing your wall insulation you have to make a well thought out decision, not just go with what the neighbours chose.
There are many traditional materials for home insulation and several new innovations in the market place such as eco foam which is proving to be quick, easy and friendly to the environment. Some of the more common materials are evaluated below:
Blankets of Fiber...
This type of wall insulation is bought in rolls or strips of either rock wool, mineral fiber or other fiberglass materials. It is very simple to install, usually just by nailing or stapling it in to the wall and rafters, which makes it simple for DIY. It has one of the highest R values (thermal resistance), also making it a very efficient material to use. That being said the average person still might find it hard to install and the price is affordable but not cheap.
Blown in Fiber...
The same materials as used above but this time it is blown in to place using professional equipment. This is faster than the above method and recommended if you don’t know what you are doing, but because the material is loose and not made in to a roll or blanket the R value tends to be slightly lower. You will have to hire somebody to do this, which carries its own cost. There is also a lot of fear that if unprofessionally fitted loose fiberglass can damage the lungs and cause cancer and many people are boycotting this method altogether.
Cellulosic insulation...
This is an alternative “blown in” method and can be a lot cheaper, but may also be less efficient depending on materials and compaction. This utilizes newspaper and wood fiber. Despite being treated with a retardant it is more flammable than other typical fibers.
Vermiculite...
This is a naturally occurring mineral derived from volcanic rock, which is heated and expands to look like small pieces of popcorn. This has quite a low R value and is usually only used in attics. What’s good is that it is a non flammable substance. If not installed professionally there may be a risk of asbestos problems further down the line and this must be discussed with your builder.
Foams...
Foam, not to be confused with weak watery substances are the most effective materials in wall insulation, with the largest R value, although they are the most expensive. They are sprayed in place by professionals and usually contain polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyisocyanurate. The main downside is they are combustible so need to be treated accordingly.
These traditional methods all have their benefits but innovative substance Eco-Foam works like no other material and is beginning to set the standard for insulation. It is completely safe from toxins and asbestos like emission problems, is class 1 fire rated and offers high R values even for existing homes. The substance is simply pumped in to the wall cavity where it stays set with no sag and will never go moldy in future years and offers all round insulation whilst reducing noise levels by up to 75%. It is quite simply a wonder foam that meets the needs and safety of a modern home.