Growing up the only insulation I knew about was the itchy fiberglass kind. And today it’s still the most known type. When you discuss insulation you will hear the term r value. R- value when discussing insulation means resistance, typically the higher the r value the more insulating value. So the higher number of r the better the insulation. Keep in mind though that there are other things to consider as well. Let’s look at some of them now.

This easy to use insulation is available by the roll: A roll of fiberglass insulation is available with or without facing. Facing on fiberglass insulation is usually only on one side. It is a kraft paper or foil lining, allowing ease of installation. Basically it helps keep the itchy fiberglass away from your skin, and often provides a tack strip for use in installing it. It also makes the insulation more resistant to water and air vapors. The foil lined ones also can help reflect radiant heat. (This varies by brand be sure to check the label before deciding on any insulation) You can also choose to have completely unfaced insulation. This is a bit more of a pain to install but is often slightly cheaper.

Quick note you might also hear the term a batt of insulation. This is sold in precut lengths to save time and add in the ease of installing. Otherwise it is generally available in the same varieties as a roll. This can vary depending on the size of the lumber yard you shop at.

Loose fill or blown insulation was:

Originally used in small spaces where roll type insulation would not fit, loose fill has gained popularity in recent years and has become a popular alternative to roll type insulation. When remodeling an existing home, and you want to add insulation to existing walls.

This type is most commonly installed with a blower, but can be poured from the bag as well. Until the last few years this type of insulation was almost exclusively installed by professionals. This was due in a large part because of the cost of the specialized pneumatic equipment used in installing it. But in recent years many lumber yards have begun renting the equipment or in some cases loaning the installation equipment to home owners that buy the insulation from them.
Available in several varieties let’s look at a few of the more popular ones:

Those of us interested in recycling will be glad to hear that cellulose loose fill is made from old newspapers! Interestingly enough it was not uncommon for old newspapers to be used to stop drafts in homes back in the early 19th century! Today the recycled newspapers are treated with a chemical to make them more fire retardant, protecting us & our homes. This type of loose fill has less of a chance of being blowing out of place after installation. Like its life before being recycled this type of loose fill does tend to attract moisture.

Loose fill pellets made of perlite & vermiculite are sold in pellet form. Made from aluminum silicate & mica the pellets are non-combustible. This is why they are most often used around chimneys and areas in need of completely non-combustible materials.

The last type of insulation we will look at today is rigid insulation. Most commonly installed with new construction or when getting new siding. This type of siding is one of the most expensive available. However it does have a very high r value. Sold in solid boards often 8"x4" installing this type is often easier and less itchy. However this type of insulation is made from different plastics, often viewed as a bad ecological choice.

Now we have looked at some of the most popular types of insulation available today. While this not a complete list this will give you the information to ask the right questions when choosing an insulation type. Please choose wisely for you and the environment.

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If you love those old traditional two story homes with all the natural hardwood flooring, but hate the fact that they are always very cold in the winter and hot in the summer, you’ll be glad to know that there is a solution to your problem. By adding some cheap insulation to back side of the flooring can eliminate this problem for good. Not only will it eliminate the coldness, but it will also serve as a form of sound proofing barrier.

If your ceiling that is underneath your hardwood flooring is open, then your job just got a lot easier. You can use the traditional fiberglass bats that are most commonly found. They tend to be made so the width is that of the space between the floor joists. If not, then you’ll have to cut them to accommodate this feat. Once you have them in the proper measurements, you simply press each one into place. Be sure that you’re not forcing them in, or compressing the insulation to much as this will cause them to lose the insulating properties, or their ‘R’ value.

If you are unable to gin access to your floor from the ceiling below, you can always try to use some spray in foam insulation. This only requires that have a small opening in which to insert the nozzle of the applicator. You’ll want to find out which way you floor joists run, then make a small hole in between each one. Insert the nozzle and press the trigger. The foam will shoot in, expand, and dry to form a great insulator.

If you just want to eliminate the noises from the floor above, as mentioned before, you can buy some acoustic insulation. It comes just like the pink fiberglass, but doesn’t have any of the ‘R-value, so it’s just for soundproofing, not for insulating.

Wood floors aren’t terrible about letting heat escape, but even if you’re utility bills haven’t skyrocketed, you can be put off by the fact that your floor is too cold during the winter. Wood floor insulation is a great way to reduce your heating bills, give you a comfortable floor, and protect your wood flooring from the infiltration of moisture. Too many homeowners who own older homes don’t even realize they’ve been living without floor insulation until they have a particularly harsh winter or decide to have their floor replaced. If you do decide to install wood floor insulation, this may also be the perfect time to consider radiant floor heating, which can greatly improve the overall quality of your home heating.

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Some people can only think of one reason for getting insulated window shades. The top reason is of course the benefits of getting proper room insulation. With insulated shades, you don’t need to worry about winter days being too cold and summer days being too hot. Modern insulated shades help keep ideal room temperatures in any season. This function also ensures lower power bills because air conditioning units and heaters don’t have to work twice as hard as they would in poorly insulated rooms.

Of course, the benefits of insulation should be enough of a reason to get insulated shades. Most modern window shades however give buyers more than just insulation as a reason to buy them. Most window shades with insulation come in stylishly streamlined designs. They don’t look too full or cluttered. Their flat or pleated appearance helps give windows classy, sophisticated looks. You can get insulated shades made of fabric, wood and plastic in almost any color, texture or color combination.

Insulated shades are also appealing because they can block or partially block the view. If you need total privacy, you can get window shades that completely shut out the outside world. Some shades however can allow a little visibility so one can enjoy the outdoors without lifting the shades.

Another advantage of insulated window shades is that they can protect skin and furniture from damage. Window shades can filter harmful ultraviolet light that can gradually damage human skin and furniture surfaces. Some shades that allow light filtering have the added advantage of having light diffusing properties. This means they are able to spread morning light better across a room so you don’t have to use artificial lighting too much. This is of course, another great quality that can help conserve energy and limit energy costs.

Insulated window shades truly give great advantages. This is why it is always best to make a good product choice the first time. Get insulated shades from trusted brands so you can rest assured that you have all the qualities you will ever need in a shade. Good brands are also likely to offer guarantees and warrantees for full customer satisfaction.

Thermal Leak Detector

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Space Blanket Loft Insulation – Buy 1 Get 2 FREE from Wickes …

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