The best types of insulation for domestic attics are open-cell spray foam, fiberglass and cellulose. Cellulose is the oldest insulating material that is used not only for the attic but also for other areas of the house. Fiberglass is another traditional insulating material that consists of extremely fine glass fibers. The most common types of materials used for loose filler insulation include cellulose, fiberglass and mineral wool (rock or slag).
All of these materials are produced with recycled waste materials. Cellulose is mainly made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass products contain between 40% and a Mineral wool is generally produced from 75% post-industrial recycled content. Rock wool, or mineral wool made from extruded lava rock, is an excellent insulating material for typical residential structures with a wooden frame.
This material is made of lava rock that the manufacturer rotates at high speeds, creating fine strands of fiberglass-like material. It insulates against heat transfer and sound, and is resistant to fire and moisture. One way to evaluate the best insulation is by using a measurement called the R value. The R value is a measure based on the ability of a material to resist heat flow.
The higher the R value, the better the material for insulation. This is because, as the installed thickness of the loose filler insulation increases, its sedimented density also increases due to the compression of the insulation under its own weight. This adaptability makes loose filler insulation suitable for adaptations and locations where it would be difficult to install other types of insulation. The Rule requires manufacturers and others who sell insulation materials for homes to determine and disclose the R value of each product and related information (for example, see Insulating Materials for more information on products commonly used to insulate concrete blocks).
Some insulation products are coated with a special barrier designed to decrease heat transfer to the home or reduce the amount of moisture that enters the wall system. Blanket insulation, the most common and widely available type of insulation, comes in the form of blocks or rolls. You can rent an insulating blowing machine to install this insulation yourself, but most choose to leave this installation in the hands of professionals. Foam plates (rigid insulation panels) can be used to insulate almost any part of the house, from the roof to the foundation.
If you're looking for an organic way to insulate your home, cellulose insulation will work best for you. Most homes are isolated in the attic and on any floor located above unfinished basements or low spaces. While you may not find the following types of insulation in your home improvement projects, it's good to know these options if you're planning to build a new home, an accessory housing unit, or a large extension. The most effective places to add insulation to older homes are exterior walls, attics, basements, and low spaces.
The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association reports that about 90 percent of single-family homes in the United States, blown insulation is applied by a machine that blows a paper-like material into the space to be insulated. The R values vary according to the different types and forms of household insulation and between products of the same type and shape.
