Insulation reduces the transfer of heat between a home’s interior and exterior, making it an important component in energy efficiency. It’s available in many different forms and can be installed in a variety of ways. Some varieties are more suitable for new construction, while others can be used in remodeling projects to increase the thermal performance of a home. Some types of insulation are easier for DIYers to use, while others require the services of Grey County Drywall Company.

The types of insulation vary widely, ranging from bulky fiber materials like fiberglass, rock and slag wool, cellulose, and natural fibers to sleek foils that reflect radiant heat away from living spaces. Bulky materials resist conductive and — to a lesser extent — convective heat flow in a building cavity, while rigid foam boards trap air or another gas for added resistance.

One of the most common kinds of insulation is fiberglass, which consists of fine glass fibers. It’s available in blanket batts and rolls for insulating existing homes, and it can also be found as rigid boards or duct insulation. Manufacturers produce a range of fiberglass products with different R-values to match specific conditions, and you can even find high-performance fiberglass insulation that’s made for use in cathedral ceilings.

Another option is cellulose, which is made from recycled paper such as newspapers and cardboard and is treated with fire retardants. It’s one of the most eco-friendly kinds of insulation and offers superior fire resistance. It can be installed in wall cavities, attics and lofts, or as loose-fill insulation. It’s typically installed by a professional, however, due to the special equipment required.

Other options include mineral wool, which is made from a combination of natural minerals and slag (a waste product of molten metal), or denim cotton—which is made from recycled jeans and other materials. These products are often more expensive than fiberglass, but they offer improved fire resistance and soundproofing. Natural fibers are another common kind of home insulation, and they can be made from wool, hemp, cotton, straw, or other recycled material. They can be a more cost-effective alternative to some synthetic insulation, but they are less resistant to mold and insects.

Some older or health hazardous insulation materials have been removed from the market, such as vermiculite and urea-formaldehyde foams, although they can still be found in some countries. A more recent development is spray-on polyurethane foam insulation, which uses non-chlorofluorocarbon gases to blow the insulation into place. It’s a good choice for new home construction and remodeling projects, but it’s harder to install than other insulation products.

Other less common types of insulation include concrete block foam, which is poured into walls during construction to form an insulated shell, and spray-on cement-based foam called cementitious foam, or air krete, which is sprayed in place. The latter, which has a consistency similar to shaving cream, is more expensive than other spray foams but it’s nontoxic and nonflammable. It isn’t used as often as sprayed foam, though.