INSULATION
COMPARISON
Compare Insulation Types for Homes
All insulation is not created equal. Spray Foam Insulation and Injection Foam not only has a higher R-Value but also provides a range of benefits that most other common forms of insulation don’t. See how Spray Foam Insulation and Injection Foam stand out from the rest.
The Pros and Cons of Insulation Types:
This is a foam-in-place injection insulation that outperforms the other retrofit insulation products for many reasons. Injection Foam Insulation is a semi-permeable foam that provides superior thermal and acoustical insulation. Unlike blown-in insulation products, our injectable insulation for homes is pumped into wall spaces in a liquid form with the consistency of shaving cream. It moves freely throughout the wall cavity to create a highly effective thermal seal preventing air infiltration. Blown-in insulation or fiberglass insulation can settle over time and does not seal bypasses or conform around outlets like foam does. Injection Foam is a healthier, cleaner, safer, quieter type of insulation with a higher R-Value. When you compare insulation types, you’ll discover the many advantages of having CT Retrofit install injection foam into your home.
Spray foam insulation is generally used in areas where there are no wall cavities to contain other types of insulation – on concrete slabs or unfinished walls.
THE UPSIDE: When sprayed on the surface, the foam expand and fills bypasses as it resists air infiltration. It can be used to fill tight spaces while increasing structural stability and providing sound insulation.
THE DOWNSIDE: Due to expansion, installation of SPF is not recommended in closed cavities like stud walls with drywall, lath-and-plaster, or sheetrock. The foam can shrink while curing if not applied at the correct temperature.
Typically made with 20-30% recycled industrial waste and similar post consumer content. Fiberglass blankets are provided in continuous rolls however batts are precut.
THE UPSIDE: This material is not flammable, with the possible exception of its facing. Blankets can cover joists and studs, as well as the space between them.
THE DOWNSIDE: Blankets can be difficult to hang under floors between joists. Gaps between batts can defeat the purpose of the insulation because they invite air infiltration or condensation. If you live in areas of high moisture such as the shoreline the fiberglass can get moist and lead to mold. Also, fiberglass insulation diminishes overtime and loses its effectiveness. If someone in your home is allergic to dust and other allergens this insulation will not help their situation.
THE UPSIDE: Cellulose insulation is made of recycled newspaper and cardboard treated with boric acid to be fire-retardant. Its R-Value is approximately 3.2 per inch.
THE DOWNSIDE: It is typically a blown-in form of insulation which makes it most appropriate for new builds and not retrofit insulation projects. Cellulose insulation can settle over time reducing its effectiveness and it’s also subject to mold and rot if it gets wet. If someone in your home is allergic to dust and other allergens this insulation will not help their situation.
THE UPSIDE: Materials can be blown-in to attics, finished walls and tough to reach areas. The loose fill material can also be sprayed in with a water-based adhesive. It is environmentally friendly, consisting of 80% recycled newspapers, and is less of a health hazard to the installer than fiberglass.
THE DOWNSIDE: Compared to other insulation types, loose fill insulation does not seal bypasses as effectively as foam. If materials are heavy, there is a risk of sagging ceilings. Some of its effectiveness can diminish over time due to material settling. If someone in your home is allergic to dust and other allergens this insulation will not help their situation.
