Mineral wool actually refers to several different types of insulation. First of all, it can refer to glass wool, which is fiberglass made from recycled glass. Secondly, it can refer to rockwool, which is a type of insulation made of basalt. Finally, it can refer to slag wool that is produced from the slag of steel mills.
The majority of mineral wool in the United States is actually slag wool. Therefore, cellulose is not only perhaps one of the most environmentally friendly forms of insulation, but it is also one of the most fire-resistant forms of insulation. However, this material also has certain disadvantages, such as allergies that some people may have to dust from newspapers. In addition, finding people who are skilled in using this type of insulation is relatively difficult compared to, for example, fiberglass.
Still, cellulose is an inexpensive and effective means of insulation. Fiberglass and mineral wool have advantages and disadvantages, so it's crucial to weigh all factors. Cellulose is another type of pipe insulation. It is made with recycled newspapers, cardboard and magazines, does not cause itching during installation and comes in several R values. Cellulose acts as a thermal insulator and has a high resistance to mold and mildew.
Cellulose also has the advantage of being flame retardant. Fiberglass offers better protection against mold and mildew compared to cellulose and has an easier installation process. That said, cellulose has a deeper R value. Cellulose can settle after installation, which can cause it to lose its R value.
On the other hand, fiberglass is known to retain its original shape and can last longer. Finally, cellulose is fireproof like fiberglass, but it can pose other safety risks because over time it begins to turn into dust. As a result, the chemicals used to make cellulose are released into the air and can be harmful. Thermal insulation plays a key role in making a home more energy efficient, but finding the right material can be difficult.
From bulky fiberglass blankets to futuristic aerogels, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here's our guide to the best thermal insulation materials. Fiberglass, which is usually deflated in blocks installed in parts or rolls, remains one of the most common forms of insulation. Photo by Brizmaker Made of molten glass spun into fibers, fiberglass remains one of the most common forms of insulation due to its adaptability, affordability and effectiveness.
Fiberglass, which is normally deflated in blocks that are installed in parts or in rolls that unfold, can also come in the form of loose filler blown with a machine, as well as rigid boards and rolls for ducts. Fiberglass thermal insulation is resistant to fire and moisture, and much of the material is recyclable. Due to its common characteristics, the mass production of fiberglass has made it one of the most economical options as a thermal insulation material, and its adaptive properties make it ideal for DIY projects. The thermal resistance, or R value, of fiberglass ranges from 2.2 to 2.7 per inch of thickness, but comparatively speaking it is low when stacked with other available options.
Over time, that value may decrease due to falling or sedimentation. Fiberglass can be dangerous to install due to its natural properties, as glass chips can get stuck in the skin and cause irritation. If inhaled, it can cause irrefutable harm to the lungs. It's the most ubiquitous option there is when it comes to thermal insulation, but it may not always be the best.
Composed of rock or slag, mineral wool is primarily composed of post-industrial recycled content. Like fiberglass, mineral wool thermal insulation can come in many forms, from rolls and blocks to loose fillings, but its R value ranges from 3.0 to 3.3 per inch of thickness. The thermal performance of mineral wool is maintained over time and its manufacturing process at high temperatures eliminates organic matter, making it a poor environment for moisture and mold. While not as omnipresent as fiberglass, there are many excellent mineral wool options on the market, including ROCKWOOL, which transforms volcanic rock into quality rockwool insulation that has been tested for performance and ranks high in the residential construction market.
Cellulose thermal insulation material is gaining popularity due to its highly sustainable nature. Made primarily from recycled paper products reduced to small, fibrous pieces, cellulose usually comes in dense or loosely filled packages. It has a typical R value of 3.2 to 3.8 per inch of thickness, and its manufacturing process makes it more affordable. Although naturally more flammable, cellulose can be treated with chemicals such as boric acid to increase its resistance to fire, which also makes it less desirable for pests and mold.
That said, cellulose is more prone to moisture absorption, so very humid climates may not be the right environment for the material. The additional installation of a vapor barrier will also be necessary, and subsidence and sedimentation can also be a problem, as the R value decreases over time. In any case, cellulose is one of the most sustainable options on the market, and companies such as Greenfiber have adopted that concept and have taken steps to help the environment by consuming less energy in the manufacturing process. Polystyrene boards are lightweight and water resistant, and their low water absorption helps prevent mold.
Photo courtesy of ISI Building Products Polystyrene is a versatile material made of clear, colorless thermoplastic. This thermal insulation material, which usually comes in the form of a rigid foam plate, has an R value ranging from 3.6 to 4.0 per inch of thickness. In addition, its foam sheet shape makes it easier to install and less hazardous than fiberglass or mineral wool. However, foam boards can be brittle and their initial costs are higher than those of fiberglass, making them riskier.
Its chemical composition is not biodegradable and can create toxins when burned, but its high R value and sound-damping properties make polystyrene an attractive option. Polyurethane foam, most commonly marketed as aerosol foam, is an insulating material that contains low conductivity gas in its cells. Aerosol foam comes in two types, open-cell and closed-cell, and the R value depends on the type being used. Closed-cell aerosol foam generally has an R value of around 6 at 7 per inch thick.
It works well in high humidity climates due to its tendency to expand and solidify, making it impervious to moisture. DuPont offers a variety of insulating foams through its Great Stuff product line, one of which is its closed-cell polyurethane spray foam, Froth-Pak. Regardless of its shape, polyurethane aerosol foam is considered environmentally friendly, as it is one of the most energy efficient insulating materials on the market, with its high R values and durability. Over time, the production of polyurethane foams has been improved to reduce the damage they caused to the environment in the past and, although their possible health risks have not yet been concluded, polyurethane foam in aerosol continues to grow as a popular option for energy-saving renovations.
Like closed-cell polyurethane aerosol foam, cementous foam thermal insulation material becomes stiff and solid after being sprayed. While they may not be best for colder environments, cementitious foams are moisture and mildew resistant, cost-effective, and can provide additional structural support. Aerogels have a high gas content, giving them an impressive R value of 10.3 per inch of thickness. Photo courtesy of the National University of Singapore Entering more innovative territory, aerogel thermal insulation materials aren't necessarily new, but their increasing availability has increased their ease of application over the years.
Generally composed of silica, aerogels are generally transparent in appearance and have a high gas content that gives them an impressive R value of 10.3 per inch of thickness. This incredible propensity for low thermal conductivity makes it the most energy efficient insulation material available, but also the most expensive. Aerogels can also be very fragile, which can make them difficult to use in areas with greater tension. Insulation helps keep cold things from heating up and hot things from cooling down.
Insulators do this by slowing down heat loss from hot things and heat gain from cold things. Plastics and rubber are usually good insulators. This is why electrical cables are coated to make them safer to handle. Metals, on the other hand, tend to be good conductors. In fact, copper is used in most electrical cables and circuit boards for this reason.
A radiant barrier is a type of insulation that reflects heat away from your home instead of reducing the flow of heat leaving your home, like most insulation. The R value measures the strength of insulation types based on the type, thickness and density of the insulating material. You can rent an insulation blowing machine to install this insulation yourself, but most choose to leave the installation to professionals. Greenfiber wall insulation starts as a plant material, becomes paper and is reused as insulation. To get an idea of how much insulation is needed to cover your house, check if your house is already insulated.
Most houses are insulated in the attic and on any floor located above unfinished basements or low spaces. These covers are easily installed and removed when needed, without the need for specialist knowledge, and the types of insulation used are determined by your specific requirements. Thermal insulation jackets offer numerous advantages that make them one of the best options for pipe insulation. If you're looking for cheap insulation, this is definitely the way to go, although installing it requires safety precautions.
Choosing the best types of insulation for your home depends on your location and the current state of your home insulation. Or, use The Home Depot installation services to ensure you install the right type of insulation in your home. The main difference between insulating blocks and rolls is that the blocks are installed in pieces, while the rolls are deployed between the wall and ceiling frames. Whether it's installing radiant barriers or placing some cool walls, homeowners can take many steps to make their homes more energy efficient, but insulation is important.
