Building insulation can be categorized by material and installation method. Fiberglass and foam are common types, with fiberglass being cheaper and more versatile. Reflective insulation is effective for ceilings. Insulation is important for energy efficiency and should be installed before completing walls or ceilings. DIY installation is possible for some types, but blow-in insulation may require professional help.
Building insulation types can be broken down in many different ways. From the material used to how it is installed, building insulation is vastly different. In many cases, it’s best to install insulation before a wall is completed, but even if that isn’t done, there are types of insulation that can help. Choosing the best insulation will depend on your particular circumstances.
One of the cheapest and most effective types of building insulation is fiberglass. This material is usually applied in paper backed rolls. For the walls that have already been built, a small incision can be made and the fiberglass can be blown. This is a particularly effective method that minimally damages the walls.
Another type of insulation is foam. This usually takes the form of hardboards of Styrofoam or some other similar material. While this material can only be applied to unfinished walls, it’s a little easier and less irritating to handle than rolls of fiberglass. Foam is also a good choice when trying to insulate between concrete blocks. It can be poured into foam on the spot or available in pre-sized pieces.
Building insulation types can also be divided according to where it will be used. Most of the types of insulation discussed thus far have been for walls, although some of these types are also appropriate for ceiling or roof insulation, such as rolls of fiberglass. However, many choose to pay special attention to the ceiling given the amount of energy that can be gained and lost through it.
Reflective insulation ensures excellent insulation of the ceiling. One side is a more typical insulating material, but the insulation doesn’t stop there. The other side is a reflective surface, meant to reflect extremely hot or cold air back in the direction it came from. Reflective insulation is most effective when the heat flow is down and the reflective side is up.
Whether in residential, office or commercial buildings, the types of building insulation used are often very similar to each other. In some cases, building insulation may be more exposed in some commercial buildings, where aesthetics are more of a secondary concern, such as in industrial settings. However, insulation is often meant to be used underneath a completed surface. Failure to complete the wall or ceiling could significantly reduce the effectiveness of the building’s insulation.
In most cases, installing building insulation is an easy task for the person who likes to do home improvement projects on their own. This is especially true for laminate insulation and rigid foam insulation. Blow-in-place insulation requires specialized equipment. While it is possible to rent this equipment, this may be a job best left to the experts.
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