As a homeowner, you want to make sure you’re getting the best insulation installed for your budget, lifestyle and climate. Though you can find some answers by doing research on your own, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional. Of course, you want to be able to ask the right questions when you speak with an insulation specialist. Here, we’ve compiled a complete guide about how insulation works and what your options are.
If you’re ready to speak with an expert and figure out the best insulation for your Virginia home, call the professionals at Tidewater Insulators at 757-828-0024 today!
What Is Insulation?
Insulation is a material that is installed in the attics, floors, walls and other areas in homes to stop the flow of heat and provide soundproofing.
Different types of insulation work a bit differently, but typically, how well a type of insulation stops heat transfer is measured as an R-value. A particular type of insulation’s R-value refers to its resistance to heat flow, and the higher the R-value, the more effective the type of insulation is at stopping heat transfer.
Insulation is generally installed in:
- Attics
- Walls
- Crawl spaces (or basements, depending on where you live)
Your Insulation Options
There are a number of different insulation materials, including:
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass, which has been used to insulate homes for decades, is available as loose-fill or batts. Typically pink in color, fiberglass is made of tiny glass fibers and is often installed in attics but can be used to insulate walls and crawl spaces as well.
- Cellulose: Cellulose insulation is environmentally friendly—it consists of up to 85 percent recycled material and takes less energy to make than other insulation materials—and can be installed in any area of a home.
- Spray Foam: Typically made of polyurethane, spray foam is applied wet and expands into thick foam. This form of insulation can be installed in crevices and hard-to-reach areas and can help reduce air infiltration.
- Radiant barrier: Radiant barrier insulation is made of a highly reflective surface (like aluminum foil) applied to a substrate material. Because radiant barriers help your roof reflect heat from the sun rather than absorb it, they are great for warmer climates, like Virginia Beach!
The type of insulation you install depends on a number of different things, including the climate you live in, the age of your home and more.
Insulation Installers Serving the Southeastern Virginia Area
Now that you know a little more about insulation, a professional insulation company will be able to install the right solutions so you can save money and live more comfortably—all year long. If you live in the Virginia Beach area, contact the professionals at Tidewater Insulators at 757-828-0024!
