January 13, 2021
We should all know by now the importance of insulating your home, especially considering the winters we get in Ireland and the likelihood of dampness and mould. Which I'm sure we can all agree that we don’t want in our homes! But we shouldn’t just use any old insulation for the sake of it, we need to ensure we are choosing the correct material for our homes and climate. I also believe we are gone from the days of only using mineral fibre insulation such as Rockwool for our cavity insulation. As there is evidence supporting that the use of only cavity insulation can down the line result in dampness and mould. We need to start insulating homes both internally and externally, and for very great reasons. Not only does it make a huge difference in the comfort of our homes for you and your family but the savings on heating is massive! We also know that we have to reduce our greenhouse gases and to work together to look after our environment, so by insulating our homes properly is a win win all round. So, let's get to know the different types of ways to insulate your home. Fiberglass Fiberglass is one of the most frequently used materials in insulation material. Fiberglass material is made of recycled glass fragments and pure sand. You can purchase this material in blankets or sheets. Because of its soft structure of glass fiber insulation, irregularities can be removed easily. Also, fiberglass is a budget-friendly material. It is manufactured to slow the airflow through the material. Cellulose Cellulose insulation is the oldest material for home insulation. You can use cellulose insulation for loose-fill insulation types. It is perfect to use in both the new and old house. The cellulose can be used in an enclosed wall, open new wall, and unfinished attic floors. Some companies make cellulose insulation from recycled newsprints. The cellulose is also treated for fire resistance. This material is packed tightly to reduce the airflow. Rock Wool The rock wool is also called mineral or slag wool. Rock wool is manufactured by spinning or drawing fibers from molten materials to create insulation. The rock wool is much similar to fiberglass. Rock wool insulation is available in the form of dense mats. This dense mat can be adjusted in convenient-sized batts of insulation. You can use rock wool insulation for walls, floors, ceilings, attics, and crawl spaces. Choose the Type of Insulation The other thing you have to determine is the type of insulation. There are mainly two types of insulation Batt & Roll insulation and loose-fill insulation. Batt and Roll Insulation The batt and roll insulation is also known as blanket insulation. Blanket insulation is made of mostly fiberglass. However, sometimes it is made up of mineral wool as well. The batt insulation is available in several widths and pre-cut. You can use this type of insulation in unfinished walls, floors, and ceilings. This type of insulation can be fitted between joists and beams. But make sure those beams are free from obstructions like pipes, wiring, and ducts. It is useful for DIY projects as well. Loose Fill Insulation The loose insulation is also called blown-in insulation. This is a great type of insulation for tight spaces and topping off existing insulation. The loose-fill insulation is also the type of attic insulation. It is made of loose fibers and recycled paper products like newsprint, cardboard, and paperboard.