A Guide to Different Types of Home Wall Insulation

Do you find yourself cranking up the thermostat every time it gets a little bit chilly, or blasting the AC whenever the sun pokes out from behind the clouds, and then wind up shaking your fist at a stack of expensive energy bills? If that’s the case, you’re in need of some good wall insulation.

When carefully installed by a professional, wall insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, saving you money on those bothersome bills. There’s a type of insulation for homes of all varieties and budgets – these are few of the various types of insulation for Minneapolis homes you should consider.

Batt or Blanket Insulation

The most common type of home insulation is batt, or blanket insulation. Batt is pre-cut sheet of fiberglass that can be installed easily, and that along with its low price makes it one of the most common types of insulation for homes. If you’re a hardcore do-it-yourselfer, you can buy these in rolls at your local hardware store, but a professional service is recommended. If installed improperly, batt can leave gaps in your wall cavities, minimizing its effect.

Blown-in Fiberglass

Blown-in insulation offers better coverage than batt, but isn’t something you should try and DIY. A specialized vacuum-like machine is used to blow dry fiberglass into wall cavities or attic floors, covering the entire area without leaving gaps. Blown-in insulation is bit more expensive than blanket insulation, but the higher quality insulation pays for itself in the form of lower energy bills.

Spray Foam

Spray foam offers the best, most air-tight insulation for your home, so it’s no surprise that it’s also the costliest. Like blown-in insulation, spray foam requires specialized equipment, so you should seek the help of a professional to install the insulation in your new home or to retrofit your current home. Instead of spraying a dry substance, spray foam begins as two liquid chemicals that combine to form a solid foam.

There are two types of spray foam – open-cell and closed-cell. Closed-cell is a more powerful insulator, but open-cell has unique soundproofing qualities. Unlike other forms of insulation, spray foam is water-resistant – it won’t absorb moisture or mold. Spray foam insulation also lasts the longest, keeping your home comfortable and energy costs low for decades.

Cellulose 

While most wall insulation is made from fiberglass, cellulose is becoming a popular alternative. It offers about the same quality of insulation as fiberglass and can be blown or sprayed just the same – the big difference is how it’s made. Cellulose is made from recycled newsprint material, making it a better choice for the environment. Even though it’s made from paper, cellulose insulation is coated with a flame retardant spray, so it won’t catch fire.

Get a Free Quote

Now that you know a bit more about the different types of insulation for homes, hopefully you have a good idea of what’s best for you. The next step is finding the right insulation professionals to install it correctly. Prominent Construction is a professional contracting service in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota that specializes in home insulation, roofing, siding, storm damage repair and more.