subject: Different insulation options [print this page] Different insulation options Different insulation options
Insulation is one of the most effective modes to reduce your energy consumption and to enjoy long term benefits. There are a large number of options to choose from, depending on the specific requirements of the user like the space to be insulated, the material of choice and most importantly your budget.
Roll or batt insulation is one of the most employed modes of home insulation. Batts are made from flexible fibrous material like fiberglass or plastic or natural fibers. The rolls are available in a wide variety of sizes and can be trimmed according to the typical spatial requirements. The batts also come in faced and regular variants.
In a faced blanket one or both the sides are additionally treated to serve a specific purpose that can range from fire- proofing to radiant or even moisture barriers. Others, however, are preferred while installing additional insulation. The ease of installation also enables Batt Insulation to pose as a viable 'Do it yourself' option as well.
Another popular alternative for insulating your house comes in the form of blown in insulation. As the name suggests, tiny particles of insulating material are blown into the space that needs to be insulated. The major advantage of blown in insulation lies in the fact that the insulation can be effectively installed without disturbing the existing structure in any way.
All these attributes make it an ideal option for insulation of old buildings as well as for insulating new ones that need a change of insulation.The materials employed for blown in insulation range from cellulose, wool, and fiberglass to many more.Blown in Insulation is therefore also a more environment friendly option since all the insulating materials used are produced by recycling.
Larger spaces can also be effectively insulated using this method though the quantity of material utilized would be large. However, since recycled material is used, it still remains a cheaper bet. Along with these, the minimal labor requirement makes it a cheap and efficient option to insulate.
Duct insulation is also a significant part of home improvement solutions and if employed can save up to 20% of the total energy consumption. The ducts are insulated by first sealing them properly with a duct tape. The insulating material is then wrapped and should be long enough to cover the duct with a decent thickness to provide for good results. If, however, your duct system is already insulated, care should be taken that there is no dampness inside and if so then the Duct Insulation needs to be replaced.
Apart from these dominantly employed insulation types other forms are also available to cater to varied customer requirements. Concrete block insulation, Foam board or rigid board, reflective systems, rigid fibrous or fiber insulation, sprayed foam and structural insulated panels are just to name a few.
