TEXAS HILL COUNTRY Blog

Insulation 101 | Koala Insulation Texas Hill Country

The major types of insulation include fiberglass, cellulose, foam, rock wool, and mineral wool. Fiberglass is a popular choice for insulating walls and attics due to its affordability; it consists of thin fibers of glass that are held together with a binder. Cellulose insulation is made from shredded newspaper or wood pulp and treated with fire retardants to reduce combustibility; it is also effective at sound absorption. Foam insulation, such as polyurethane and polystyrene, forms an air-tight seal that blocks air leakage and is often used in crawl spaces, basements, and between interior walls. Rock wool insulation is made from basalt rock and recycled slag; it has higher fire resistance than fiberglass insulation and excels in soundproofing. Mineral wool insulation is similar to rock wool but has higher water vapor permeability; it also has excellent thermal stability and can withstand extreme temperatures.

MAJOR INSULATION TYPES

Here is some information about the major types of insulation.

Batt Insulation

Common and cost-effective, batt insulation provides basic coverage for attics, walls, crawl spaces, ceilings, and basements. It’s quick and affordable and also offers sound-dampening qualities.

Blown-in Insulation

Blown-in insulation fills every nook and cranny of the attic and creates an extra fluffy layer of effective insulation. It is a convenient choice that can be blown in over existing insulation or in between walls and ceiling joists without disturbing structures. Loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose can be blown on your attic floor, between walls, or in other spaces that may require insulation. Blown-in insulation can easily cover large areas and will fill in areas with tight spaces and angles. Koala Insulation of Northwest Houston installs blown-in for retrofit, residential, commercial, and new build construction.

Spray Foam Insulation

SPF insulation will help you save on energy costs and lowers utility bills by creating a tight seal and preventing air movement. The US Department of Energy (DOE) studies show that 40% of your home's energy is lost due to air infiltration. This air infiltrates the home in the form of drafts through walls sockets, windows, and doorways. Spray foam expands and completely fills every tiny hole and crevasse providing a superior air seal combined with a powerful R-Value per inch of installed spray foam.
 

• CLOSED-CELL SPF provides added structural strength and is a hard, vapor-resistant foam that won’t need to be replaced if your home is flooded.
• OPEN-CELL SPF offers the same insulation benefits but does not act as a vapor retarder or water barrier.

Radiant Barrier

An attic radiant barrier is a reflective material that is installed in the attic of a building to reduce the transmission of radiant heat. It typically consists of a layer of aluminum foil, plastic sheeting, or other reflective materials which are placed over the insulation in an attic space. Radiant barriers work by reflecting the thermal radiation emitted from the sun back out into the atmosphere before it can reach inside and cause additional heating within the building. This can significantly reduce cooling costs as less energy is needed to keep an interior comfortable throughout peak summer months. Additionally, since there is no need to replace existing insulation, installation is relatively simple and cost-effective for homeowners.

Air Sealing

Attic air sealing is an important part of making sure that a building's energy efficiency is maximized. Without proper attic air sealing, heated and cooled air can escape through cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and other openings in the attic. This not only increases energy costs but also allows outside contaminants to enter the home, which can lead to health problems. Additionally, air leakage through the attic can cause moisture buildup in the insulation, decreasing its effectiveness and leading to mold growth. To prevent these issues, sealing gaps between wall framing should be done prior to installing insulation or a radiant barrier. Proper installation of weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors can also help reduce air leakage from the attic.

INSULATION 101 QUICK FACTS:

• Proper insulation and air-sealing services can help you save up to 20% on your utility bills
• Batt insulation provides good R-Values as well as sound dampening. Up to 80% recycled content is available.
• Blown-in insulation provides better R-Values and better noise control. Up to 85% recycled content is available, making this an excellent choice for the environment.
• Spray foam insulation provides the best R-Values while also air-sealing tiny cracks and gaps.

Recommended Insulation Levels

The recommended insulation levels for attics with radiant barriers vary depending on the climate and type of barrier being used. In regions with hot summers, it is generally advised to install a minimum of R-13 insulation in the attic. This level of insulation will provide enough protection from the sun’s heat and will also ensure that any conditioned air seeps through slowly and evenly throughout the home. Additionally, installing a radiant barrier over existing insulation can help maximize its efficiency by preventing energy loss due to convection.

In areas where freezing temperatures are common, higher levels of insulation may be necessary. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends using a minimum R-value of 19 for attics located in cold climates, or both sides of an attic floor should be insulated with at least R-30 batt insulation or more if possible. Installing a radiant barrier will further help reduce energy losses in cold climates by reflecting heat back inside and reducing the amount of heat that escapes through the roof.

Four factors determine the quality and overall effectiveness of insulation:

• Conduction
• Convection
• Air filtration
• Radiation

Some types of spray foam, for example, may have a low R-value, and yet it is still one of the best insulation types in the industry.

How to Calculate R-value

Calculating R-value, or thermal resistance, is an important step in determining the appropriate level of insulation for any given environment. It is a measure of a material's ability to resist heat flow and is expressed as an “R” followed by the value of the material. For example, an R-30 insulation would have a higher resistance than an R-19 insulation.

To calculate the total R-value of an area, one must first identify all insulating materials present in that area. Once all materials are identified, one can then determine their individual R-values and add them together to get the total R-value. This calculation should be done both before and after installation to make sure the desired level of insulation is achieved.

For example, if a homeowner wants to install attic insulation with an R-30 rating but already has existing fiberglass batt insulation with an R-13 rating installed, they will need to add additional layers of insulation or use a radiant barrier to reach their desired goal. Additionally, it is important to consider other factors such as air leakage when calculating the overall R-value since these can significantly reduce efficiency.

When considering attic insulation levels for different climates, one should always consider the local weather patterns and climate zone before investing in any type of system. Additionally, installing proper ventilation systems may be necessary to maintain healthy indoor air quality while also maximizing energy efficiency. Taking all these considerations into account will help ensure that homeowners have access to optimal comfort and cost savings within their homes year-round.

Below is a chart listing the typical R-Values of the different insulation types.

The below chart features R-Values of particular types of climates.

To learn more, visit our website and read more about how to choose the right insulation for your home.