Perth Insulation prevents air flow to different rooms which significantly reduces heating and cooling costs. It also helps keep indoor temperature stable and lowers exposure to outdoor contaminants like dust, pollen and volatile chemicals which can suppress the immune system and cause respiratory illnesses.

There are a variety of insulation materials available each with differing R-values. Common types of insulation include fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose and spray foam.

Fiberglass insulation is one of the most common types used in homes and it can be found in walls, floors, and ceilings. It consists of extremely fine glass fibers and is manufactured using recycled glass and sand particles. It is available in blanket forms (also known as batts and rolls) or as loose-fill insulation. It can also be purchased as rigid boards and duct insulation. Manufacturers now produce medium- and high-density fiberglass batt insulation that has higher R-Value than standard products.

When properly installed, fiberglass insulation prevents airflow and reduces the transfer of heat and cold within the home. However, it does not completely seal the building envelope, allowing some energy loss. This is a big reason why it is important to partner with experienced insulation professionals when installing this type of product in your home. Gaps, compression, and poor placement will significantly impact your home’s insulating capability and lead to energy waste.

During the manufacturing process, molten glass is spun into thin fiberglass filaments that are coated with chemical compounds to improve their durability and performance. These coatings include fire-retardant agents and binders that help the fiberglass mats to adhere together. Binding agents are typically formaldehyde-free and can range in composition from phenolic resins to acrylic resins.

These binders and additives help the fiberglass mats to maintain their structural integrity in a variety of climate conditions. The resulting batting is then transported to the installation site, where it can be inserted between wall studs, floor joists, and attic rafters.

The acoustic properties of fiberglass also make it an ideal choice for insulating the walls and ceilings of homes. The thickness of the fiberglass insulation as well as its paper or foil facings will determine how much sound it will absorb and block.

In addition to its insulating capabilities, fiberglass is environmentally friendly and can be easily recycled. It is a good option for homeowners who want to reduce their home’s energy costs. In fact, fiberglass conserves 12 times as much energy as it uses to prevent airflow, reducing your monthly utility bills over time. It is also non-flammable and resists mold growth.

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool insulation is a dense and heavy insulation product that offers outstanding thermal and acoustic properties. It is available in rolls or as batts to suit different installation requirements. Mineral wool is made from a variety of environmentally friendly and renewable natural resources, including volcanic rock and iron ore slag, which is a waste product of the steel industry. It also contains high levels of recycled content, with some products containing up to 90% recycled material (pre-consumer and post-consumer).

Unlike fiberglass insulation, which can crumble during handling or installation, mineral wool insulation is strong and durable. This makes it an ideal choice for insulating difficult-to-reach spots, such as the tops and corners of walls or attic floors. In addition, it is permeable and allows water and vapor to escape, which helps prevent moisture damage and mold growth.

It’s also safe to touch and does not release harmful chemicals during installation. This makes it a great option for homes with sensitive inhabitants, such as those suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions. The breathable nature of mineral wool insulation means it can help regulate indoor temperature, too.

As an energy-efficient insulation option, mineral wool has a higher R value than fiberglass. For example, a 2” thick mineral wool insulation batt would provide an R value of R-27.5 in a wall cavity. Additionally, mineral wool is also an excellent sound barrier, with the ability to reduce noise pollution and increase acoustic performance in ceilings and walls.

Like cellulose, mineral wool is inherently fire resistant. This provides an effective fire barrier within a building, which can slow the spread of fire and give rescuers more time to reach occupants. It can also limit the amount of damage caused by a fire, and can prevent toxic smoke from contaminating the air inside a building.

Another advantage of mineral wool is that it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for homes with sensitive inhabitants. It is a green insulation material that does not contain any volatile organic compounds, which makes it a healthy option for those with allergies or health issues. It can also be installed without the need for an extra vapor barrier, as it is permeable and allows water and air to escape.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products – primarily newsprint. It is blown loose-fill or dense packed into building cavities and used in both new construction and retrofits. It is often referred to as green insulation. It is treated to make it flame retardant and resistant to mold and vermin. It is also effective at controlling moisture movement in walls and ceilings. It is a safe and sustainable product that has a long history in North America.

Most of us are familiar with the traditional cellulose “snowball” insulation found in older homes, but today’s cellulose is made using a more advanced manufacturing process. This process is designed to ensure consistency, material compaction and full cavities when installing the insulation. The end result is a product that performs more effectively than other insulation and saves energy costs in both new construction and retrofits.

It is effective in reducing air leakage, which is responsible for about one-third of a home’s energy loss. This is because it is able to fill small gaps, voids and crevices, which other insulation materials cannot. It is also an excellent sound insulator, as it has the density to reduce vibration and noise.

Like fiberglass, cellulose is an air-blocking insulation and provides a high R-value per inch of thickness. R-value is a measurement of the ability to impede heat flow through a material, and a higher R-value indicates a greater thermal resistance.

Because of its air-blocking properties, cellulose is also an effective moisture inhibitor. It prevents the transfer of moisture between the air and surfaces in buildings, which can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot. In addition, it impedes the movement of moisture generated by wind or mechanical imbalances in building assemblies.

Another benefit of cellulose is that it requires less energy to produce than other types of insulation, and it uses fewer fossil fuels in production. It is also produced locally in North America, which reduces the demand for raw materials that would otherwise be exported from other countries. In addition, cellulose insulation is safe to handle, unlike other blown-in insulants that can create hazardous dust. However, it is important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling cellulose insulation. This includes safety glasses, a face mask and gloves.

Spray Foam

Spray foam is a powerful insulation that creates an air and water barrier in walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, attics, and rim joists. It is ideal for new construction, especially metal buildings where the space between the joists is exposed. Spray foam also works well in retrofit projects to fill gaps and voids. It is flexible, so it can be sprayed in hard-to-reach places and conforms to curves. It is sturdy and durable, unlike other types of insulation that compress and sag over time. Spray foam is also fire resistant, so it is safe to use in homes and commercial structures.

To make spray foam, two chemicals — isocyanate and polyol resin — are brought together at the tip of a gun. The two components are mixed at a precise ratio to create an expanding spray that can be sprayed onto roof tiles, concrete slabs, or wall cavities. The spray foam expands to fill in all the nooks and crannies, creating an airtight seal. The spray foam is made from inert polymer, so it has a long lifespan and continues to perform at optimal levels for years.

There are open- and closed-cell spray foam options available, and both have different R-values. Closed-cell spray foam is more rigid and has no holes or openings between the cells, making it a stronger material than open-cell. It is the preferred insulation for metal buildings because of its hermetic nature. However, it is less flexible than open-cell spray foam and requires a separate vapor barrier to prevent moisture from causing mold and other health issues.

Open-cell spray foam is lighter and more “spongy” than closed-cell, and it has a higher R-value of 3.5 per inch. It allows more vapor to pass through, so it requires a vapor barrier in some applications.

Some property experts are calling for spray foam regulations, as it can be mis-sold or improperly installed. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors warns that homes with this type of insulation may have their mortgage refused or require a specialist survey before being approved. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for a surveyor to see and examine a property with spray foam.