Fiberglass Insulation

When it comes to efficiency in insulation, choosing to have fiberglass insulation installed in your home is a smart choice. This option is sure to increase your home’s sound control and economy; therefore, it will pay for itself and ultimately save money over the years. The reduction of once needed utilities helps to reduce overall consumption and production, making insulating with fiberglass an economically and environmentally responsible decision. Adding attic insulation will also reduce your home’s energy requirements. Another eco-friendly aspect of fiberglass is a significant percentage of the product is made from recycled material and can be recycled again. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, manufacturers of fiberglass insulation use approximately 20-30% recycled materials in their product.

There are several types of this product to consider and evaluate according to your desires for performance and initial investment value. Thermal insulation is available in a loose-fill form and a blanket form. The loose form is typically blown and can conform to any space, making it the best choice for hard to reach spaces. Loose fill is composed of shredded bits and pieces of fiberglass. A variation of the loose fill method is the BIB, or blown in blanket. This version is sprayed with a latex adhesive, therefore providing a very adaptive and even coating, making it the most effective. The more traditional blanket or batt form is available in pre-made rolls. This type is commonly used during construction of new homes and is applied to the walls.

The R-value is an ambiguous term for the average person. The R-value is simply a term to accurately rate an item’s ability to insulate. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of the product. The installed R-value is the main attribute to note, not the R-value per square inch. When accessing the quality of a product, be sure to consider its predicted performance. This type of insulation is a great investment because of its low settling and extended protection. Safety is also a key performance issue to consider, particularly fire resistance. This option is perhaps the safest choice in insulation, as it is naturally flame retardant and non-combustible. It will not act as fuel in the unfortunate event of a fire, unlike options in the past. Conversely, fiberglass is hydrophilic and does not absorb water, unlike other options in thermal insulation. A home owner with fiberglass insulation will never need to worry about insulation getting damp and incubating harmful mold. Adding attic insulation or choosing fiberglass insulation for your home is perhaps the most informed, safest, and cost effective choice you can make.