Insulation is a necessary part of any standing structure whether it is your home or business. E3 Power helps to make sure that your Colorado home is as energy-efficient as possible.
Insulation can make or break your comfort level in the home and it can also raise your energy bill. We want to help you make the best decision between the most common 5 types of insulation in the industry.
What Exactly Does Insulation Do?
Many times when you think of insulation you think of that fluffy stuff in your walls and many times that is what insulation looks like but it does take other forms. Insulation is typically placed in areas where the air will escape or enter and its sole purpose is to keep that air where it belongs.
Insulation makes your home more comfortable, energy-efficient and it also helps to keep noise levels to a minimum. It is important to understand that not every type of installation fits every home or business.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is made of polyurethane and sprayed into the cavity of the wall where it hardens sealing leaks and gaps inside the walls. It comes in two forms open and closed cell spray foam.
When speaking about insulation you will hear the term “R-Value” which is really just referring to the insulating power.
So, the higher the R-value the better the insulating power. Closed spray foam has the highest R-Value of all insulation while open spray foam is a little lower. There is also a pressure spray foam option for those who have larger areas to insulate.
Blanket Batts and Rolls
Blanket batts and rolls are commonly made from fiberglass although you can find them constructed out of cotton, mineral wool, and plastic fibers. This is a perfect project if you are not wanting to hire anyone and are looking for a fairly simple DIY insulation job. They are made to fit in between standard wall beams and such and this is what makes it a lot easier for a homeowner to install him or herself.
If you purchase the rolls you will need to cut it to size because forcing it to fit will only make it less effective. Fiberglass is harmful if you breathe it in so make sure to wear proper protective gear when you are working with it. The R values for standard blankets and batts are between R-2.9 and R-3.8 and high performance between R-3.7 and R-4.3 per square inch of thickness.
Rigid Foam Panels and Foam Board
Made of Polyurethane rigid foam panels and foam boards are some of the most energy-efficient insulation on the market with an R-value between R-4 and R-6.5. It is best used on unfinished walls like basement walls and unfinished floors and ceilings.
Radiant Barrier or Reflective Barriers
These are best for hot climate and use aluminum foil or a substance like it over a foam board to insulate attics and other unfinished walls. Reflective insulation reflects heat away from the home which is why this is so good for warmer climates.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation is great for areas that are hard to fill or awkward spaces because it is made up of tiny particles. These particles are usually made from fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose.
Blown-In insulation is a fairly easy job for a DIY but you will have to rent the machine. The R-Values for this type of insulation range from R-2.2 to R-3.8.
Call Us Today
E3 Power can help your Colorado home or business be as airtight as possible. We specialize in creating a comfortable space for you. Give us a call today.
