To keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter, you need great quality thermal insulation. Unfortunately, though, not all insulation is made to the standard you really want. The same goes for the insulation in older homes. You may think your home can’t get any more comfortable because you’ve already got insulation. However, insulation technology has come a long way, so it could be time for an upgrade.
Here’s all of the characteristics you should look for when choosing insulation for your home.
The Right ‘R’ Rating
Firstly, you need to understand the way insulation is rated. All products come with an ‘R’ rating, referring to the capacity to resist heat loss. Depending on what part of the home you’re insulating, you’ll need different rated products. See below for an easy guide:
Wall insulation: ‘R’ rating of 1.5 – 2.7
Ceiling insulation: ‘R’ rating of 2.5 – 6.0
Underfloor insulation: ‘R’ rating of 1.7
The ‘R’ rating goes hand in hand with the insulations thickness. So, this is also something to consider when purchasing. For example, if the gaps in your ceiling cavity are very low, it may not be practical to buy an extremely thick insulation batt.
Good acoustic performance
While your main goal might be to stop unwanted airflow around your house, quality thermal insulation also has the capacity to limit noise. Its not a full sound-proofing solution, but certainly limits the transfer of noise between rooms. That’s provided, of course, that’s it’s rated for quality acoustic performance.
Soft to handle
If you’re installing insulation yourself, look for products that are soft and easy to handle. You’ll still need to take necessary precautions such as wearing gloves and eye protection, but soft insulation is much easier to work with. Quality insulation that’s soft to touch is also less dusty, and creates less irritation when working with it.
Non-combustible
Fire safety should always be a priority in your home, so filling your walls with highly flammable insulation doesn’t make any sense. To protect your home and family, only choose non-combustible insulation products. Most insulation these days is fire-resistant, but this is something that’s definitely worth checking before you buy.
Made with advanced technology
Standard insulation is fine, but if you purchase from innovative manufacturers, you’ll get better products. For example, you can now find insulation made from recycled glass which is great for sustainability but also enhances the quality. Many manufacturers have also developed technology that removed formaldehyde from the insulation binder, making it even more sustainable.
Look for a strong warranty
Finally, much like any product you buy, consider the warranty. Insulation manufacturers who don’t offer a good warranty are obviously not too confident in their product. If they’re not confident, why should you be? Make sure you ask about the warranty before you buy, as this increases your chance of getting durable, reliable insulation. Some insulation comes with warranties of up to 50 years, so that should give you plenty of confidence!
