Different Types of Insulation

When most people think about insulation, they think about the “pink stuff”, that is to say Fiberglass Insulation; however, there are many more types of insulation available. The type of insulation you use depends on where you are insulating and the R-Value you require in that space. For instance, Nova Scotia Code for an attic is R-50, while Code for basements is R-20. Different types of insulation have different R-Values, which will determine how much of each type you will need to reach the recommended R-Value.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose Insulation is generally in attics, and in exterior walls. It is make up almost entirely of recycled fibers, combined with a flame retardant.

Cellulose can be blown into existing walls from the outside of your home, and dense packed creating a thickly packed layer of insulation all around your home.

Because cellulose can be blown into walls and attics, it is an excellent choice for adding insulation to existing homes without tearing down any drywall to gain access.

Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Open-Cell Icynene Spray Foam Insulation is made up of two products that are mixed in the air when they are sprayed onto a surface. The two products spray on as a liquid and then rapidly expand to be over 50 times the original size of the liquids. This expansion lets the foam fill in any small gaps that would otherwise be a draft through your wall, attic, roof, etc. Open-Cell Icynene Spray Foam is used as a draft proofing product. This benefit on top of the impressive R-Value reached with spray foam makes Icynene a formidable option for any insulation project.

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Closed-Cell Spray Foam

Closed-Cell Icynene Spray Foam is mixed, and expands in the same way that Open-Cell Icynene Spray Foam is, but it has a higher density which allows us to use less of it to achieve the same R-Value, and air sealing. One major benefit of Closed-Cell Icynene Spray Foam is that it is also a moisture barrier. It is so effective that it meets the FEMA criteria for resisting bulk water, making it ideal for use in zones prone to flooding and hurricanes.

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Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation can be purchased in batts and placed between studs in walls. Batt insulation is often installed improperly, leaving small gaps that allow air to pass by your insulation, negating it’s intended effects and even when installed properly fiberglass insulation allows air to flow through it. 

Fiberglass insulation can also be blown into wall cavities or attics like cellulose insulation, but will also allow air flow as it does not compact in the same way that cellulose insulation does. This allows air to move through the insulation promoting drafts and heat loss.