Types Of Home Insulation And Its Pros & Cons

The Wide Range Of Insulation Materials For Living Spaces 

There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to acoustic ceiling panels and acoustic ceiling tiles. No two homes are created equal and there are many factors that one needs to consider before buying acoustic ceiling insulation products and other insulation materials. So without wasting any time, let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of insulation. 

Pros And Cons For Some Of The Popular Insulation Materials 

#1 Roll and Blanket batts – Rolls or blankets of insulation can be made of a wide range of materials such as mineral wool, plastic fibres, fibres, and natural fibre like sheep’s wool or cotton. This type of insulation comes without or with a facing that is made up of foil-kraft or kart paper that can act as a vapour barrier. You can also get blanket batts with a flame-resistant-facing if the chances of insulation left exposed in a basement is higher. 

Pros: Rolls, batts, and fibreglass blankets are affordable and easily available. They can be installed on unfinished floors, crawl spaces, ceilings, and attics. 

Cons: Batts and fibreglass blankets have an R-value between 2.9 to 3.8/inch of thickness. You might want to need an extra 10-12 inches to achieve just the right insulation for your exact needs. If you are insulating crawl or attic space that is already being constructed, you will need a significant amount of insulation material to begin from which can drive up the price.  

#2 Blown-In and Loose-Fill Insulation – As the name suggests, this type of insulation is made of small particles of foam, fibre, and other materials. It is blown into spaces that can be used for ceilings, walls, crawl and attic spaces without much disruption.

Pros: It is environmentally friendly since it is made with recycled waste materials. This includes cellulose made from fibreglass which has 20% – 30% recycled glass and mineral wool which comes from 70%-75% of post-industrial recycled content.

Cons: You will need to properly air seal during the installation process. If you are blowing cellulose over the already existing fibreglass., you might have to cut and refit the laid batts that are poorly placed and insulate the plumbing first. Blown-in insulation can rot if it comes in contact with moisture over longer periods and succumbs to mould. This is why it is important to ensure that the set is sealed before blowing. Unlike fibreglass batts which are DIY friendly with proper precautions, it is recommended that you hire professionals to blow cellulose materials. 

#3 Spray Foam Insulation- Spray foam insulation seals cavities, walls, and floors against air movement which includes the spaces around light fixtures, electrical outlets, doors, and windows. Spray foam can also be sprayed into an open cavity during the construction phase in crawl spaces, rim joists, and attics. Whether it’s an under-construction house or an already built one, sprayed foam can be used as long as the cavities are open.

Pros – Unlike other conventional insulation material, spray foam never loses its shape and does not compress, sag and settle over time. It is twice as effective as batt insulation and can fill even the smallest of the cavities to reduce air leakage.

Cons- There are 2 types of spray foam insulation i.e. closed-cell and open-cell. Closed-cell is highly effective however expensive. Open-cell on the other hand is cheaper and should be avoided below ground level because it can absorb moisture. 

#4 Concrete Blocks 

Concrete blocks are used to build walls and foundation. The cores of these blocks can be filled with insulation material if concrete and steel are not required. The concrete blocks with insulation material inside are of high R-value.

Pros- Concrete blocks that are insulated take advantage of building materials where they add an extra layer of insulation to the foundation. They have to be initiated during the construction phase.

Cons: Insulated concrete blocks do not improve insulation so much since the heat can easily pass through the concrete that is not insulated. For maximum comfort, you should install insulation over the surface of the blocks either on the interior or exterior of the foundation walls. 

Wrapping Up 

The best insulation for a house will depend on insulation types, properties coupled with the size and age of your living space. Many soundproof insulation products are appropriate for DIY installation. However, some acoustic floor insulation materials seek the guidance and assistance of professionals for an effortless installation process. 

You can also look at a wide range of Rockwool insulation products that are cost-effective, last long and come with professional guidance, wherever you install them. After all, you want to insulate your home bearing energy efficiency and comfort in mind. Therefore always opt for premium and best acoustic insulation products that will be real value for money in the long run.