The R value of your homes insulation is the measurement of it resistance to heat flow. Proper insulation in your home will provide a more comfortable living environment and be more energy efficient.
Choosing the proper insulation for your home can be a daunting task for a homeowner. Talk to an insulation specialist at a local supplier and see what he recommends for your particular application. Ensure he carries all types of insulation or he may just recommend what particular brand or type that he carries in stock.
Most homes in Ontario have fiberglass batts and blown in fiberglass loose fill type of insulation. The only issues that are notable about blown in fiberglass insulation for attics is that rodents usually will nest in it and create trails throughout your attic. Mice can climb straight up brick walls and enter through any tiny crack or hole to winter in your attic. If you have vinyl siding then you would be safe from climbing mice as its surface is too slippery for them.
Cellulose insulation insulation has increased again in use in the United States and Canada. Part of the reason for this growth are studies that suggest that cellulose may actually protect a building from damage in a fire better than fiberglass because cellulose is denser than fiberglass and doesn't allow the oxygen necessary to burn structural members. Several National Research Council Canada studies [2] have backed these claims. Another major reason for the comeback of cellulose might be because of the increased interest in green building. Cellulose has the highest recycled content of any insulation material and also has less embodied energy than fiberglass and other furnace produced mineral insulations. Also mice do not like to nest in cellulose insulation.
Cellulose is the oldest building insulation material[citation needed]. Many types of cellulosic materials have been used, including newspaper, cardboard, cotton, straw, sawdust, hemp and corncob. Monticello was insulated with a form of cellulose. Modern cellulose insulation, made with recycled newspaper using grinding and dust removing machines and adding a fire retardant, began in the 1950s and came into general use in the US during the 1970s.
In general, insulation loses its R value when wet. Just 4% moisture can lower thermal effiecency, in that area, by up to 70%. Cellulose insulation fibers are naturally "hygroscopic". This means they are very effective at absorbing and retaining moisture. Moisture problems such as rot and mildew growth can occur when moisture remains above 20-25% for extended periods of time. It's recommended that you use a vapor barrier with both blown in cellulose insulation and fiberglass insulation applications. Preventing moisture/water leaks is a key factor in getting the best results for you home insulation.
Choosing the proper insulation for your home can be a daunting task for a homeowner. Talk to an insulation specialist at a local supplier and see what he recommends for your particular application. Ensure he carries all types of insulation or he may just recommend what particular brand or type that he carries in stock.
Most homes in Ontario have fiberglass batts and blown in fiberglass loose fill type of insulation. The only issues that are notable about blown in fiberglass insulation for attics is that rodents usually will nest in it and create trails throughout your attic. Mice can climb straight up brick walls and enter through any tiny crack or hole to winter in your attic. If you have vinyl siding then you would be safe from climbing mice as its surface is too slippery for them.
Cellulose insulation insulation has increased again in use in the United States and Canada. Part of the reason for this growth are studies that suggest that cellulose may actually protect a building from damage in a fire better than fiberglass because cellulose is denser than fiberglass and doesn't allow the oxygen necessary to burn structural members. Several National Research Council Canada studies [2] have backed these claims. Another major reason for the comeback of cellulose might be because of the increased interest in green building. Cellulose has the highest recycled content of any insulation material and also has less embodied energy than fiberglass and other furnace produced mineral insulations. Also mice do not like to nest in cellulose insulation.
Cellulose is the oldest building insulation material[citation needed]. Many types of cellulosic materials have been used, including newspaper, cardboard, cotton, straw, sawdust, hemp and corncob. Monticello was insulated with a form of cellulose. Modern cellulose insulation, made with recycled newspaper using grinding and dust removing machines and adding a fire retardant, began in the 1950s and came into general use in the US during the 1970s.
In general, insulation loses its R value when wet. Just 4% moisture can lower thermal effiecency, in that area, by up to 70%. Cellulose insulation fibers are naturally "hygroscopic". This means they are very effective at absorbing and retaining moisture. Moisture problems such as rot and mildew growth can occur when moisture remains above 20-25% for extended periods of time. It's recommended that you use a vapor barrier with both blown in cellulose insulation and fiberglass insulation applications. Preventing moisture/water leaks is a key factor in getting the best results for you home insulation.
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