What Are the Different Types of Insulation?

Do you need to insulate your home? There are several different types of insulation available. A professional insulation company like Tidewater Insulators will be able to tell you what kind of insulation would be the most suitable for your home—depending on where you’re insulating, how old your home is, etc.

Types of Insulation: Form

• Loose-fill/blown-in
• Batts and rolls/blanket
• Spray
• Reflective

Loose-Fill/Blown-In

Loose-fill or blown-in insulation is one of the most common types of insulation and works exactly how it sounds. It is blown into a wall cavity or designated space using special equipment. Loose-fill insulation is typically used for:

• Open new wall cavities
• Enclosed walls
• Unfinished attic floors and walls

Blanket

Also known as batts and rolls, blanket insulation is ideal for spaces that are free of obstructions. It is laid out flat and fitted between joists, studs and beams. Blanket insulation can be used for floors, ceilings and unfinished walls.

Spray

Spray foam is great for hard-to-reach, irregularly shaped areas—it can be installed in enclosed existing walls, open new wall cavities and unfinished attic floors.

Reflective

Typically installed in attic ceilings, reflective insulation helps your roof reflect, rather than absorb, heat from the sun—which helps keep your home cooler and more comfortable. Reflective insulation is fitted between studs, joists and beams.

Types of Insulation: Materials

• Fiberglass
• Cellulose
• Foam
• Radiant barrier

Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation can be either blown-in / loose-fill or a blanket system, great for all different types of areas, from the attic to the exterior walls to the basement. It’s been used for decades and is still widely used today.

Cellulose

We believe cellulose is one of the most environmentally friendly types of insulation on the market—it’s made of up to 80 percent recycled material. Like fiberglass, cellulose insulation works well in all types of areas and is great for soundproofing.

Spray Foam

Spray foam is applied wet and quickly dries, expanding into a continuous foam air barrier that fills tiny gaps and cracks, which helps maximize the energy efficiency of your home.

Radiant Barrier

Radiant barrier insulation is installed in the attic and is a type of reflective insulation. It helps keeps your home more comfortable when it’s hot outside. In fact, homes with radiant barrier insulation can be approximately 10 degrees cooler than homes with no attic insulation!

Tidewater Insulators installs fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and radiant barrier insulation in homes throughout southeastern Virginia. Contact us to learn more or if you’re ready to install insulation in your home!