What to Consider When Choosing Residential Insulation

Residential insulation is used to create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home, but which type is right for your home?

Not all insulation is created equal. There are many different kinds of insulation materials used in residential construction today. Each material has unique pros and cons that must be carefully weighed to determine its suitability for use in a particular home. 

Use this guide to choose the best type of insulation for your home. 

Consider the R-value of an insulation product.

In the building construction sector, an insulating product's R-value is a measure of how well the product resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the product is at insulating a building against thermal loss.

The R-value of an insulating product depends on the type of material used and its thickness and density. Installing a product with a higher R-value will get you more insulation with less thickness. You can typically find the R-value of an insulating product indicated on the product packaging.

Consider where you are going to install the insulation.

In terms of installation, all insulation products fall into two major categories — internal and external insulation. Both serve to insulate your building against thermal losses, but external insulation is designed extra-tough to withstand exposure to the outside elements.

When choosing insulation for your home, make sure you choose a product that is created for the area of your home that you want to insulate.

Consider the durability of the insulation.

While all kinds of insulation are meant to be hydrophobic, some are better at resisting moisture and water damage than others. Insulation materials and products that offer greater resistance to moisture and water damage tend to last longer than those that are easily affected by the elements.

Make sure you choose an insulation product that can provide the desired level of durability depending on your local climate or the areas of your home that you want to insulate.

Consider the intended function of the insulation.

While home insulation is primarily designed to protect your home against energy losses, certain types double as soundproofing products. For example, insulation batts aren't rated for soundproofing, but they can help with noise reduction. This way, you can make your home more energy efficient while reducing noise levels in your home.

Still can't decide on the best insulation for your home? Contact a residential insulation contractor near you for further guidance.