Believe it or not, there are several different types of insulation in Sacramento, CA that can be installed in your home or business. Like most things, each type of insulation has its pros and cons. Let’s find out more about the different kinds of insulation to make your choice easier when you’re ready to insulate your space!
Blankets of insulation
Blankets of insulation, made from either fiberglass or mineral wool, are the most common form of insulation that you’ll see at a home improvement store. The blankets come in various thicknesses and widths because they’re meant to go in the framing of your house, which is different in each home. Blankets insulate your home by trapping air in between fibers. This type of insulation can also come prepackaged in batts, which are great for very specific cavity widths in your walls, floors and ceiling.
- Pros: Blankets are relatively inexpensive to buy. They can also be installed by any homeowner, as long as they’re wearing protective gear.
- Cons: Blankets have the lowest R-value (the measurement of effectiveness). Finding the correct sized blankets could be frustrating. If the fiberglass gets wet, mold or mildew growth is possible.
Blown-in insulation
Blown-in insulation in Sacramento, CA comes in blocks of fiberglass, cellulose or mineral wool, and is broken down and “blown” into place by a heavy-duty blower. It’s most often used to insulate attics.
- Pros: Since the material is broken down into small pieces by the blower, it can fill any nook and cranny. It’s also fairly inexpensive to buy.
- Cons: Unless you’re somewhat experienced with insulation, you’ll have to hire a professional to install it. It’s not the best insulator on its own, so you may have to buy other types of insulation to make it as effective as possible.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation is sprayed with a special machine into stud cavities. After it’s sprayed and dried, the excess foam is cut to leave an even surface. It can come as open-cell polyurethane or closed-cell polyurethane spray.
- Open-cell pros: It stops air movement, so it’s a great insulator and noise reducer. It sticks to anything it touches, so it’s great in nooks and crannies.
- Open-cell cons: It’s not great for the environment. It has to be installed by a professional. Moisture can still pass through the material, so you need to install a moisture barrier as well.
- Closed-cell pros: It stops air and moisture movement, so it’s highly effective as an insulator and sound barrier, and it prevents mold and mildew growth. Just like open-cell, it sticks to everything it touches.
- Closed-cell cons: By far the most expensive insulation. It also has to be installed by a professional. It’s not particularly great for the environment.
Give 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc. a call if you’d like more help figuring out which type of insulation in Sacramento, CA is right for you! Our friendly staff members are more than happy to go over each type of insulation and help make your insulation decision easier.