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Insulation is essential in keeping heating and cooling costs in control.
There is no perfect insulation type, so knowing what's best for your project
is essential. Fiberglass batts and blankets can be installed without contractor assistance. They are generally easy to handle and install, however, its essential to wear gloves, long-sleeved shirt, respirator and eye protection to minimize skin, eyes and lung irritation. While fire and moisture resistant, they generally offer the lowest R-value per inch. Loose Fill 2.7, Blankets 3.0, Batts 3.0, Rigid Boards 4.0 (Best For Construction) Rock Wool is a close cousin to fiberglass, and is fire-resistant. It can also be used as a fire-stop. Another advantage is its sound-deadening characteristics. Remember to use gloves, long-sleeved shirt, respirator and eye protection during installation. Loose Fill 2.7, Blankets 3.1, Batts 3.1 Cellulose Fiber is the most popular loose fill insulation. It is shredded paper and is flammable in nature. House and Cottage cannot recommend it's use due to this characteristic, but if you do, make sure its treated with a fire retardant. Keep in mind, this insulation is not moisture resistant, therefore there is a great concern over its possibility of being a catalyst for mold production with its retention of moisture when wet. Must use a separate vapor barrier. Use cautions above in its application. Loose Fill 3.7 EPS (Expanded PolyStyrene) is used as interior and exterior sheathing. It is essential that it be sandwiched between fire-resistant wallboard due to its high flammability. House & Cottage cannot recommend its use. Rigid Boards 3.6 XEPS (EXtruded PolyStyrene) is used as interior and exterior sheathing. It is waterproof and can be used below grade to insulate slab and foundation walls. Rigid Boards 5.0 Polyurethane is excellent as insulation values go, only House & Cottage cannot recommend it due to its highly flammable nature and its highly toxic emitting cyanide gases when burned! It should only be installed by a highly qualified and reputable contractor - better yet, just don't use it! Rigid Boards 6.0, Foam-In-Place 6.0 Polyisocyanurate is considered one of the most effective insulations availible, and the most expensive. However, House & Cottage cannot recommend its use no matter how much the owner can afford its choice. It is very flammable and highly toxic, emitting cyanide gasses when burned! Its mosture resistant and often faced with reflective foil. Its use is for insulating roofs between sheathing and finished roofs. Rigid Boards 5.6 House & Cottage encourages Fiberglass Rigid Boards and XEPS as choices for use in construction. |
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