| Growing up the only insulation I knew about was the | | | | a large part because of the cost of the specialized |
| itchy fiberglass kind. And today it's still the most | | | | pneumatic equipment used in installing it. But in recent |
| known type. When you discuss insulation you will hear | | | | years many lumber yards have begun renting the |
| the term r value. R- value when discussing insulation | | | | equipment or in some cases loaning the installation |
| means resistance, typically the higher the r value the | | | | equipment to home owners that buy the insulation |
| more insulating value. So the higher number of r the | | | | from them. |
| better the insulation. Keep in mind though that there | | | | Available in several varieties let's look at a few of the |
| are other things to consider as well. Let's look at | | | | more popular ones: |
| some of them now. | | | | Those of us interested in recycling will be glad to |
| This easy to use insulation is available by the roll: A | | | | hear that cellulose loose fill is made from old |
| roll of fiberglass insulation is available with or without | | | | newspapers! Interestingly enough it was not |
| facing. Facing on fiberglass insulation is usually only on | | | | uncommon for old newspapers to be used to stop |
| one side. It is a kraft paper or foil lining, allowing ease | | | | drafts in homes back in the early 19th century! |
| of installation. Basically it helps keep the itchy | | | | Today the recycled newspapers are treated with a |
| fiberglass away from your skin, and often provides a | | | | chemical to make them more fire retardant, |
| tack strip for use in installing it. It also makes the | | | | protecting us & our homes. This type of loose |
| insulation more resistant to water and air vapors. The | | | | fill has less of a chance of being blowing out of place |
| foil lined ones also can help reflect radiant heat. (This | | | | after installation. Like its life before being recycled this |
| varies by brand be sure to check the label before | | | | type of loose fill does tend to attract moisture. |
| deciding on any insulation) You can also choose to | | | | Loose fill pellets made of perlite & vermiculite |
| have completely unfaced insulation. This is a bit more | | | | are sold in pellet form. Made from aluminum silicate |
| of a pain to install but is often slightly cheaper. | | | | & mica the pellets are non-combustible. This is |
| Quick note you might also hear the term a batt of | | | | why they are most often used around chimneys and |
| insulation. This is sold in precut lengths to save time | | | | areas in need of completely non-combustible |
| and add in the ease of installing. Otherwise it is | | | | materials. |
| generally available in the same varieties as a roll. This | | | | The last type of insulation we will look at today is |
| can vary depending on the size of the lumber yard | | | | rigid insulation. Most commonly installed with new |
| you shop at. | | | | construction or when getting new siding. This type of |
| Loose fill or blown insulation was: | | | | siding is one of the most expensive available. |
| Originally used in small spaces where roll type | | | | However it does have a very high r value. Sold in |
| insulation would not fit, loose fill has gained popularity | | | | solid boards often 8"x4" installing this type is often |
| in recent years and has become a popular alternative | | | | easier and less itchy. However this type of insulation |
| to roll type insulation. When remodeling an existing | | | | is made from different plastics, often viewed as a |
| home, and you want to add insulation to existing | | | | bad ecological choice. |
| walls. | | | | Now we have looked at some of the most popular |
| This type is most commonly installed with a blower, | | | | types of insulation available today. While this not a |
| but can be poured from the bag as well. Until the last | | | | complete list this will give you the information to ask |
| few years this type of insulation was almost | | | | the right questions when choosing an insulation type. |
| exclusively installed by professionals. This was due in | | | | Please choose wisely for you and the environment. |