Should You Choose Fiberglass, Cellulose, or Foam Insulation?

Insulation plays a big role in keeping the heating and cooling costs down in your building. If you have just started researching what types of insulation are on the market right now, you may be wondering which one is best for your specific building. Specifically, should you choose fiberglass, cellulose, or foam insulation?

Here are the important must-knows about the three primary types of insulation.

Fiberglass

This is a very versatile insulation product that comes in a variety of widths. It can be used in different types of buildings and has an R-value between 2.9 and 3.8 per inch of thickness. This is an inexpensive product and it’s easy to install, but it often does not perform as well as other greener insulation products.

Cellulose

This insulation is made from recycled newsprint and is insect- and flame-resistant. It is an eco-friendly insulation and can be used as a total-fill option. It can be tightly packed into building cavities that range in size, and it will effectively seal around wires, pipes, and other areas that can be hard to reach.

Foam

While fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be effective solutions, they simply don’t compare to spray-foam insulation. Foam insulation is sprayed into wall cavities and will expand to fill crevices or cracks, which will create a seal that reduces air leaks and saves energy. Spray foam creates an air barrier around your home that will deter mold, acting as a moisture inhibitor and vapor barrier. It does not contain any formaldehyde or blowing agents like HCFCs or CFCs.

When it comes to your building, you want insulation that is effective and able to withstand a variety of elements. You want insulation materials that perform better per square foot compared with fiberglass insulation, such as fiberglass batts, or cellulose.

You’ll also want an insulation option that prevents heat loss or heat transfer away from the interior of the building. The energy efficiency of both closed-cell foams and open-cell foams is quite high. (Ask any building science expert you come across.)

Filling every nook and cranny of your crawl spaces, preventing air leakage while providing an air-sealed environment — that’s what you want from your insulation.

Our experienced team at Spray-On Foam & Coatings can get your insulation project started and finished quickly, with efficiency and accuracy.

Your spray foam insulation means your building will be protected for a lifetime. Contact us today to get started!