Home Insulation Products For Every Need

Many people are having trouble making ends meet during these difficult times, and saving money has become something of an art form. One way that homeowners can maximize their utility dollars is through the installation of effective home insulation products. There are several types of insulation, and each has distinct advantages. Those who don't mind tackling DIY projects can save even more money. Before choosing a certain type of insulation, one should do a bit of research and compare the features of each one. The R-value needed for the space to be insulated will need to be determined.

R-value means resistance to heat flow, and is how thermal resistance is measured. The larger the R-value number, the more effective the insulating material is. R-value is usually found on the label of home insulation products. It is a misconception to think that the thickness of insulating material is the only thing that determines the R-value of insulation. What the product is made from is also important. It should be noted also that even a product with a high R-value will have diminished effectiveness if not used properly. For example, an area having windows with poor insulating properties will be less effective than an area with high R-value insulation and good windows.

Two types of home insulation products that are recommended for DIY projects are blanket insulation and reflective system insulation. Blanket insulation comes in rolls and is made from fiberglass, wool, or natural or plastic fibers. It is placed between the studs, beams and joists of walls, floors and ceilings, preferably during construction. A reflective system is insulation made from paper that has foil facing. It also is placed between studs and beams.

For areas that are hard to get to or obstructed in some way, loose-fill might be a better option. In buildings that are already constructed, blanket or reflective insulation may be hard to place. The downside of loose-fill insulating material, however, is that it requires special equipment for installation. This might be a drawback for homeowners who wish to do it themselves, unless they can rent or borrow such equipment. Loose-fill home insulation products are made from cellulose, fiberglass, mineral components or wool.