One of the key elements of any property is its insulation. There are currently several material options you have for your insulation. When evaluating the best for you, you should primarily base your choice on the R-value of your product vis-à-vis that of the section in your property you want to insulate.
To guarantee you reap the maximum R-value or thermal performance of your product, you should ensure it is properly installed. Fiberglass insulation in Houston is the leading choice for most property owners.
This is a form of silicate fiber which primarily comprises glass and suffices for the insulation of almost all areas. Fiberglass insulation is recyclable, naturally sound absorbent, and moisture resistant.
Its thermal resistance value is R 8-40 making it one of the materials with the highest thermal resistance at the lowest cost. The following are some types of fiberglass insulation for commercial and residential properties.
Blanket Insulation
This is used for insulating unfinished walls such as foundation walls, ceilings, and floors. It is fitted between beams, joists, and beams and is inexpensive and easy to install. It comes in R-values of R 2.9-3.8/inch of thickness.
This fiberglass insulation options should be installed at its full designated thickness to achieve its stated R-value. Blanket fiberglass insulation should also be allowed to fill voids and gaps to boost its insulation efficiency. It comes in continuous rolls which can be trimmed manually to fit into different spaces and is available in unfaced and faced varieties.
Loose Fill Then Blown-In Insulation
This consists of small fiber particles which will conform to all spaces without disturbing the finishes and overall structure of a building. This makes it a perfect alternative for places in which other forms of insulation would be hard to install.
These are typically around obstructions, irregularly shaped areas, unfinished attic floors and enclosed or open wall cavities. The fiberglass insulation will be poured into place then blown in using specialized equipment.
Poured Loose Fill Insulation
This is poured in much like the loose fill then blown in fiberglass insulation but is left to settle rather than blown in like the latter. It is ideal for insulating crevices in hard-to-reach areas and has higher R-value compared with the loose fill then blown in insulation. Though easy to install, it requires tact to guarantee its efficiency.
Rigid Insulation
This is your best choice for unconditioned spaces and other sections which need insulation that can withstand heat. As such, rigid fiberglass insulation is the leading choice for HVAC contractors for insulation of air ducts.
Rigid fiberglass insulation comes in 1- to 2.5-inch thicknesses and is secured using washers or speed clips. Unfaced rigid insulation can be finished using canvas, weatherproof mastic or cement while the faced variety is sealed using mastic and glass fabric or pressure-sensitive tape.
The above fiberglass insulation options are among the most durable alternatives for all properties. They will, however, deteriorate over time and need replacement.
In most instances, property owners will opt to remove the insulation without an expert’s input. This, however, puts them at risk of respiratory issues and skin irritation. As such, get a professional to remove the insulation when the need arises.
