This article will talk about Straw-clay, Cellulose, Spray foam, and Fiberglass. Which one is best for your home insulation? Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages, so keep reading to discover more about how to select them before availing of quality home insulation services Chalfont, PA. Read on to discover why these materials are the best choice for your home.
Straw-clay
Light straw clay is better for insulating a house than none at all. Therefore, adding a layer of straw clay to a wall will increase its R-value. However, you need to ensure that the straw-clay wall has adequate ventilation to avoid mold. A basement wall is also located below grade, which means moisture can easily travel and collect in the walls. Hence, adding more straw clay to a basement wall is important if it’s a freezing climate. The weight of the material makes it heavier than conventional insulation. Because of this, a straw clay wall should be constructed with thicker framing and detail to prevent moisture and mold growth. Fortunately, it can withstand extreme weather conditions and is the most effective insulation choice for many homeowners.
Cellulose
Cellulose is a renewable natural resource. It is produced from wood cell matter, which emits very little energy during the manufacturing process. In addition, this type of house insulation prevents waste paper from releasing harmful gases into landfills. As a result, cellulose helps make houses warmer and reduce energy bills while making buildings more comfortable. Because the material is more expensive than fiberglass, it requires a higher labor cost. However, this type of house insulation offers a much better return on investment and is eco-friendly. It is one of the most challenging home insulation projects to complete yourself, only for experienced DIYers. Cellulose can save you money on utility bills in the winter and prevent heat transfer in the summer. Furthermore, it does not settle or degrade, making it an ideal choice for areas that experience high amounts of moisture.
Spray foam
Unlike most other forms of house insulation, spray foam is highly resistant to moisture, air, and heat. It seals leaks and gaps inside the walls by injecting a liquid polyurethane into the wall cavity. For larger jobs, pressure sprayed foam is an option. Spray foam comes in two varieties: open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Closed-cell foam costs more and has a greater R-value per inch. On the other hand, Open-cell foam has a lower R-value per inch.
The best house insulation is a combination of the above. It should be chosen based on its ease of installation and longevity. Choosing the right insulation for your home is important because some types of insulation are more flammable than others. Ideally, a homeowner should choose the one best suited for the structure and the climate of the home. You may also wish to consider spray foam as a more cost-effective alternative.
Fiberglass
If you want to save money on energy bills, fiberglass is the way to go. It’s widely available and familiar. Fiberglass insulation is made to fit between rafters, joists, and studs. However, installing it can be itchy and loses its insulating properties when compressed. Fiberglass is the most common type of house insulation, and it’s made up of extremely fine glass fibers. Fiberglass comes in several forms, including batts/rolls, loose-fill, rigid boards, and specialized duct insulation. Furthermore, fiberglass contains phenol-formaldehyde, a chemical linked to cancer. That’s why most homeowners avoid fiberglass insulation.
You can buy fiberglass batts with a paper or aluminum foil facing one side. This foil prevents heat from escaping through the insulation and helps keep moisture from entering the walls and ceilings. It would help if you chose the side of the batt exposed to the outside air to get maximum insulation benefit. The R-value of standard fiberglass batts ranges from 2.9 to 3.8 per inch, while high-density insulation batts can reach as high as 4.3.
