Batts
Finding the Appropriate Type of Batts is Important
When building a house, there are many types of batts that can be used for insulating the walls and floors. While the variety and selection may be overwhelming, this short guide will help you choose one that is right for your application.
First, there are several types of batts that are used for home insulation. The most common type of these batts are fiberglass batts. Fiberglass batts are constructed from recycled materials, post-consumer content, and molten glass. They may be faced with paper or foil on one side. Paper is a vapor retarder while foil acts as a vapor barrier. This type of batt is an excellent choice for insulating your home.
Rock and slag wool batt is made from synthetic and natural materials. In addition to thermal insulation, it acts as a good sound proofer. It is also a nonflammable material. This too, is a great choice in home insulation.
A third common type of batt is made from plastic fibers. This kind is often made from recyclable materials. Unlike the fiberglass form, plastic fiber does not cause skin irritation. It is flammable, but it can be treated with a fire-retardant. Although this type of insulation is environmentally-friendly, it is not currently used in the United States.
Batts come in a precut roll that is quite convenient to transport. Larger sheets of insulation are called blankets. They are available in large continuous rolls. When choosing the appropriate type of batt, take into account that some types are more difficult to cut than others. Also, some sizes require a large truck to transport.
When applying insulation to your home it is important to remember several things. Insulation is less effective when it is over compressed. Leaving gaps and voids between the edges of insulation also reduces its effectiveness. Remember to eliminate as many gaps as you can, both between sheets of insulation and between electrical boxes, supports, and other obstructions. When installing insulation in floors, you can purchase plastic mesh, lath, springy metal rods, and plastic straps to hold it in place.
A final area of note is choosing the appropriate sized insulation batt for your application. Batts come in several thicknesses that can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Often starting at R-19, which is roughly 6.25 inches, batts can extend up to R-38, at around 12 inches. Depending on the size of the cavity you need to fill, it is important to get the appropriate R rating.
Hopefully this guide is helpful for choosing the correct type of insulation batt. When contacting your supplier for insulation, make sure to ask questions pertaining to what you need. Since insulation can vary greatly, it is important to make sure you purchase the right type for your application.
