Types Of Insulation
Insulation has been in existance in various forms since the Roman era and is designed to prevent heat from escaping your home. The developments since that period has led to modern, long lasting and environmentally friendly insulation types.
Insulation is sold in various forms with each form having their own pros and cons.
Loose Fill Insulation
The most obvious factor about this type of insulation is its form. Loose fill insulation is designed to be fluffy and loose so that it can be pumped into walls and tight spaces. Older houses tended to favour this type of insulation as you could easily top it up to ensure your household remains warm.
Loose fill insulation can be made from a range of different materials including waste paper and moltern glass. Cellulose loose-fill insulation is made from waste paper such as old newspapers and is broken down into small particles to create a thick insulation.
Rockwool and fiberglass insulation are also popular types of loose fill insulation. The major drawback to this type of insulation is that it can become loose and create voids for draughts.
Reflective Insulation
This is sometimes referred to as a radiant barrier and comprises of a metalic foil which you roll over your roof spaces. Essentially this insulation type blocks radiant heat transfer across open spaces.
Reflective insulation is a good light weight solution and is often good at controlling airflow. The main difficulty is that you have to get a number of factors right for it to be truly effective. Installation for example has to be inch perfect and your room / roof type plays a big part.
Rigid Insulation
The most common form of insulation of this type is spray foam insulation which forms a rigid barrier over your attic / loft area to stop valuable heat from escaping. It is one of the most used insulation types in modern construction as it helps reduce heat loss significantly and is environmentally friendly.
One of the biggest benefits behind spray foam insulation is that it can keep a home warm in the winter while keeping conditions cool in the summer.
As you can see there are many types of insulation and upgrading your attic insulation couldn’t be easier. Households lose hundreds of pounds each year as a result of poor insulation.
Good Resources:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/table1
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb268/is_200602/ai_n18878068/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulation
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