December 21, 2018
If you are adding or replacing insulation in your home, it’s probably best to go with the same insulation type that is already being used. Replace fiberglass batts with fiberglass batts and so on.
Still, it won’t do you any harm if you add loose fill insulation to fiberglass batts and vice versa.
If you are adding insulation to your attic, basement, or any other part of the home, it’s a good idea to learn about the best and most popular insulation types.
A “batt” is sheet of fibers, normally a piece of fiberglass used to insulate buildings. Homeowners and builders often choose fiberglass batts when insulating their attics, walls, and crawlspaces. They are cost-effective and do a good job at insulating energy from passing through walls, ceilings, and floors.
You can usually find fiberglass batts in 2×4 and 2×6 sizes, but you can also cut the pieces down to size if necessary.
Loose Fill Insulation
Probably the most popular type of insulation is shredded cellulose, commonly known as loose insulation. This polysaccharide is an important component of the cell walls of many plants, including cotton.
When treated with borates which prevent fire, mold growth, and vermin, it is a great insulation. The other material used for loose fill insulation is fiberglass. While it’s possible to add loose fill insulation by yourself, you will most likely need to rent the blowing machine and enlist the help of at least one other person.
Loose fill insulation is blown into wall cavities and attics using a specific blowing machine.
Although spray foam insulation is a very popular insulation type, it’s not really meant for large spaces. Most people use spray foam to fill in small and tight spaces. It would very expensive to fill a large area with just spray foam.
We recommend using spray foam as a supplement to your other insulation types.
When adding insulation to your home, make sure you do your research first. It’s recommended that you consult with a professional before adding any insulation to your home.
Wear gloves and a painter’s mask when dealing with insulation, especially fiberglass and loose fill insulation. There are many microscopic particles that get released into the air that enter your respiratory tract.
Regardless of the insulation you use, you will help increase the energy efficiency of the home. But, be careful since too much insulation can be a bad thing. That’s why after every major insulation improvement or change, you should call your local HVAC contractor to inspect the building for proper insulation and ventilation levels.
When adding attic insulation, you don’t have to use the same type of insulation that is currently being used. You can mix and match; however, it’s wise to consult with a professional.
We can ensure your home is comfortable year-round by adding a cloud layer of insulation. Learn more about our Signature Comfort Cloud™ Solution.
Service Champions is known for trustworthy, on-time HVAC and insulation service throughout the East Bay, South Bay, and Sacramento areas.