Mark Roemer Oakland Shares Details on The Different Types of Insulation
Introduction
According to Mark Roemer Oakland, insulation comes in all shapes and forms and none of them are equal to each other. Let’s check out different types of insulation available in the market so that you can make a better purchase decision:
The Types
- Roll Insulation and Blanket Batt Insulation – Insulation’s most common form is that of rolls and batts. These blankets are made out of natural fibers, mineral wool, fiberglass, and plastic fibers. Those that come with kraft paper also act as air and vapor barriers. You can use this widely available and affordable insulation for your attic, ceilings, unfinished floors, and crawl spaces.
It is simple to use and that’s why it’s preferred by many DIYers. However, since this type of insulation comes in pre-cut sizes, readjustments can compress the insulation material and render it less effective. Its R-value also lingers around 3 and that means you need to use numerous layers to achieve the desired R-value for your home.
- Insulated Concrete Foams – ICFs(Insulated Concrete Foam) are H-shaped structures. They are two concrete walls cast between insulation layers. Since there is an open-air channel in between the walls, they boast high thermal resistance. R-value for this type of insulation can go up to 20.
They can help make your home energy efficient and cut energy consumption by 20 percent. They also strengthen the walls of your home. However, it’s important to note that they are an expensive solution and aren’t immune to damage from groundwater and insects.
- Rigid Foam – Rigid foam insulation is robust insulation compared to rolls or batts and can be found in different thicknesses and materials. While they cost a pretty penny, they can be easily customized for insulating any part of your home. They are also effective as internal and external wall sheathing.
This kind of insulation offers you almost double the R-value of other types of insulation with the same thickness. They are also water-resistant, strong, and reduce heat conduction. However, renovating your home with this kind of insulation is going to cost you dearly since you need to tear down the walls and build them from scratch.
- Spray Foam – Liquid spray foam insulation is one of the most versatile types of insulation you can find on the market. After it is sprayed on or injected inside a surface, it expands and fills up the available space. It justifies its high cost with the high R-value.
It is also more convenient than other types of insulation since you can easily get insulation in hard-to-reach places. Moreover, it also reduces sound and doesn’t need a vapor barrier. However, you need to make sure to buy closed-cell spray foam insulation if you plan to use it above ground level. While open-cell spray foam is cheap, it is also water absorbent and isn’t ideal for floor or underground use.
Conclusion
Mark Roemer Oakland suggests that you decide on your budget, the required R-value of your area, and determine the right type of insulation that goes in different parts of your home.
