Most homeowners aren’t aware of the many options for insulating a home. Insulation comes in a wide range of forms, and each alternative serves its own purpose. What insulation product fits well for one homeowner may not meet the needs of another homeowner. It requires a thorough understanding of each form of insulation to decide which makes the most sense for your situation. Ultimately, the best type of insulation is the one that provides the most advantages to your unique home.
Types Of Insulation: Raw Materials
All insulation has an R-value. It measures the thermal resistance of a particular material and its ability to withstand cold or heat. The higher the R-value, the better the material limits thermal conductivity. Depending on the material, insulation manufacturers create different product forms for practical usage in homes and buildings. The following table compares the most commonly used raw materials.
| Insulation Type: | R-Values: | Primary Usage: | Benefits: |
| Cellulose | 1.4-3.5 | Works well between walls and ceilings | Manufactured from renewable materials. Offers healthier indoor air quality. Excellent at regulating humidity levels. |
| Denim | 13-21 | Prepared in large mats with various size dimensions. | Useful in attics, ceilings, crawlspaces, floors, and walls. Provides a Class-A fire rating and is not flammable. Considered to be environmentally safe and renewable. |
| Fiberglass | 2.9-3.8 | Most commonly seen in batts with varying thicknesses. | The most readily available insulation material nationwide. Produced from recycled glass and considered renewable. Easy installation process that can be customized to fit. |
| Foam | closed-cell: 5-8 open-cell: 3.4-3.8 | Typically marketed in spray form. | Has an expansive nature that fits into tight areas. Enables an airtight seal to prevent heat loss. Acts as a strong moisture barrier and deters mold. |
| Mineral Wool/ Rockwool | 4-5 | Manufactured in batts and as loose-fill. | Promotes a comfortable and healthy environment. Delivers energy savings as an effective barrier. Provides a meaningful soundproofing solution. |
| Natural Fiber | 1.4-3.5 | Works well between walls and ceilings. | Manufactured from renewable materials. Offers healthier indoor air quality. Excellent at regulating humidity levels. |
Types Of Insulation: Final Products
Homeowners have a wide selection of insulation products at their disposal. Choosing the right option requires understanding the objectives homeowners hope to achieve. For the average home, construction contractors employ a combination of insulation products depending on what works best. They may use one kind of insulation for the walls but very different types for the floors, ceilings, and attic.
| Insulation Type: | R-Value: | Primary Usage: | Benefits: |
| Batt Sheet | 3.1-3.4 | Fits between beams, joists, and studs and works well with floors and ceilings. | Capable of do-it-yourself (DIY) installation. Ideal for unfinished interior surfaces. Considered to be highly affordable. |
| Blown-in / Loose-Fill | 2.2-2.7 | Typically used in attics and to fill in wall cavities. | Capable of being added over existing insulation. Affordable, easy-to-use, and insulates hard-to-reach spaces. One of the most eco-friendly insulation alternatives. |
| Foam Board / Rigid Board | 6-6.8 | Optimal for unfinished walls, including foundation, floors, and ceilings. | High insulating value relative to other options. Available in a variety of thicknesses and lengths. Very customizable to fit in many locations. |
| Insulation Concrete Form (IFC) | 21-24 | Cast-in-place concrete walls situated between layers of insulation. | Creates walls with a high thermal resistance. Provides extreme durability and energy efficiency. Excellent sound barrier. |
| Rolled | 2.9-4.3 | Fits between joists or studs, attachable and flexible usage in walls and attics. | Delivers thermal and acoustic qualities. Increases home comfort and energy savings. Easy installation and meets building code. |
| Spray Foam/ Foam-In-Place | 3.6-5.7 | Works great for attics, roofs, and walls. | Comes in three densities: high, medium, and low. Provides excellent soundproofing qualities. Offers strong resistance to air and moisture intrusion if open-cell foam. |
| Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Foam | 15-67 | Ideal for use when building an addition or replacing siding or roofing. | Known for having airtight qualities to promote indoor comfort. Possesses durability and high strength-to-weight ratios. Easily customizable to fit various sizes or dimensions. |
Types Of Insulation: Cover Boards
Typically, cover boards provide an essential insulation layer in the assembly of a roofing system. Historically, cover boards were manufactured from wood. Modern innovations transformed the production of cover boards to include an insulating element to add energy efficiency and protect a roof’s inner workings. Ultimately, an insulation cover board provides an even surface to apply the roof membrane.
| Insulation Types: | R-Value: | Primary Usage: | Benefits: |
| Fiber Cement | Under 1 | Adaptable for use when combined with other insulation forms. | Strong pest resistance and moisture control. Weatherproof against strong winds and intense sunlight. Highly fire retardant and exceptional durability. |
| Gypsum | Under 1 | Installed on many flat and low slope roof structures | Improves the structural integrity of the roof design. Provides strong hail and wind resistance. Very affordable compared to other insulation alternatives. |
| Perlite | 2.7-3.5 | Excellent for insulating chimneys, roofs, and tight or narrow spaces. | Versatile, reliable, lightweight, and pliable Highly fireproof and resistant to deterioration Delivers extended durability and longevity |
| Rigid Insulation/ High-Density Plyiso | 3.6-8 | A continuous layer is applied to roofs and exterior walls to reduce energy loss. | Provides increased thermal resistance. Offers significant fire retardation qualities. Features high moisture and mold resistance. |
Other Insulation-Related Products
As insulation and construction technology has developed, complementary accessories have been produced, offering additional layers of protection and functionality. These products enable a homeowner to accomplish specific objectives. For example, radiant and vapor barriers efficiently augment a roofing system’s goals of limiting excess heat buildup and moisture intrusion.
| Insulation Type: | R-Value: | Primary Usage: | Benefits: |
| Concrete Block | 0.1-0.2 | Works well on unfinished walls, including a home’s foundation. | 10x the insulating value of conventional concrete. Effectively moderates indoor temperatures. Decreases energy consumption. |
| Radiant Barrier | 0 | Typically installed in the attic to limit heat buildup and reduce cooling costs. | Very effective in hot climates to curb A/C usage. Diverts a large amount of heat from the home. Extremely durable and designed to last a lifetime. |
| Vapor Barrier | Under 1 | Prevents water vapor from reaching attics, ceilings, crawlspaces, roofs, and walls. | Excellent means to prevent moisture intrusion. Delivers improved air quality within the home. Ensures quality ventilation throughout the home. |
Identifying The Best Type Of Insulation Using An Established Professional
If you own a home in Indianapolis or surrounding communities, contact Moss Roofing for all your insulation needs. When you reach out to us, we will schedule an appointment to complete a thorough evaluation of your home to determine your insulation needs. We provide expert guidance and install all forms of insulation. To learn more about our other residential services, including roofing, siding, and gutters, or to arrange a meeting to discuss the condition of your insulation, contact us today.
