Adding insulation to the home is a relatively inexpensive and highly effective way to increase your house’s energy efficiency, improve your indoor comfort, and save money on your year-round heating and cooling bills. Here are some of the more common types of insulation, with additional information on what they’re made of and where they work the best.
- Blanket insulation, including batts and rolls, is made of fiberglass, mineral wool, or plastic or natural fibers. It's used in unfinished walls, foundation walls, floors and ceilings. It is often installed between wall and ceiling joists, studs and beams.
- Loose fill consists of small pellets made of cellulose, fiberglass or mineral wool. These pellets are blown into place or poured in using specialized equipment. This type of insulation is used to fill open areas in unfinished floors, walls and places that are difficult to reach with standard insulation, such as tightly restricted areas in attics or in irregularly shaped spaces.
- Rigid foam board is made of polystyrene or polyurethane. It is installed in unfinished walls, floors, ceilings and roofs. This type of insulation is also frequently applied to the outside of ductwork systems. Rigid foam insulation is often covered with gypsum board or other material to meet fire safety standards.
- Spray foam and foam-in-place, made of polyurethane or other plastic-type foam, is sprayed into place using pressurized cans or larger specialized sprayers. It fills wall cavities and unfinished floors and seals pipe joints and connections. Spray foam is also good for use in irregularly shaped spaces or places where there are obstructions.
- Reflective insulation consists of foil-coated heavy paper, plastic film or cardboard. It can also be made of polyethylene bubbles. Reflective insulation is used in unfinished walls, floors and ceilings, and placed between wall and ceiling joists, studs and beams. The foil surface reflects heat.
Since 1976, Comfort Services and Total Comfort Service Center have provided residential and commercial heating and air conditioning services to customers in Columbia and the surrounding area. Contact us today for more information on insulation types and for help choosing the kind of insulation that will work best for your job.
