What are the Different Types of Insulation?

R-values are a way to measure the effectiveness of the insulation and the number is based on the density, thickness and type of material. The most effective kinds of insulation have the highest R-values. Loose-fill insulation is one of the most common forms of insulation. It's made up of fibre pellets and loose fibres and is blown into attics and other smaller cavities. Although it's expensive, loose-fill insulation is an effective and efficient way to insult these areas to make them airtight. Loose-fill insulation comes in two forms: cellulose fibre and a fibreglass and rock wool blend. The cellulose fibre is created from recycled content and is chemically treated to make it fire-resistant. Fibreglass and rock wool insulation is blown into open stud cavities and gives full coverage of an area. Blanket insulation is also quite common. This form of insulation comes in blanketed rolls and is made from mineral fibres. It's typically placed between wood frames and rafters to insulate within walls, above ceilings and under flooring. Although blanket insulation is the most affordable form available, it takes a lot of care to install it correctly. Rigid board insulation is very high quality insulation and comes in many thicknesses. It's most often used to reproof flat roofs and basement walls, and may also be used in cathedral ceilings and around concrete slab edges. Rigid board insulation takes a bit of care as well to install because it must be covered and approved for fire safety. Spray foam insulation is the best way to insulate very small spaces and cracks. This type of insulation is a two-part liquid that contains a foaming agent and a polymer agent. Spray foam insulation is the best way to insulate irregularly shaped spaces because, when sprayed, it expands into a solid plastic made up of air-filled cells. Although it's the most expensive type of insulation, it may be necessary for many jobs. It can be applied by a professional or with a a kit purchased from a home improvement store. In addition to these four common types of insulation, bulk and foil are also available. Bulk is designed to resist transferring heat because it has pockets of trapped gas inside. Foil is reflective and resists heat flow because of this reflectivity.