Different types of Home Insulation - your options.

How to Choose Insulation.

When it comes to installing or replacing insulation in the home, there are several options to choose from. Your choice will depend on your budget, the amount of free space and any environmental factors but fortunately there will be a product to effectively and efficiently insulate your building.

Fibreglass Roll

When we think of insulation, our first thought is usually the thick, yellow fibreglass rolls which are so common as roof insulation. These loft rolls are the least expensive option, making them one of the most popular too. Loft rolls are installed between the wooden support beams in the roof, in convenient and easy to replace strips. This makes them easy to replace or upgrade, should you ever need to. However despite their good heat retention, loft rolls aren’t suitable for all homes. The thickness of loft rolls, generally between 10 and 20cm makes them less practical where space is limited. Furthermore as a fibrous roll it won’t support itself, making use in walls less common.

Cavity Batts

A popular choice for wall insulation is cavity batts. These are generally constructed from fibreglass but there are also Rockwool products on the market. Cavity batts or slabs are solid blocks of insulation which are fitted behind the walls. Their strong structural integrity and square shape mean they are easily slotted in, and will remain in place indefinitely. In fact, their strength and durability ensures that they will last at least as long as the building they are installed in. Cavity batts are also resistant to the passage of water vapour meaning they’re even suitable in environments which are susceptible to damp and moisture. As with all fibreglass products remember that small fibres can irritate your skin and damage your lungs. So to ensure you’re safe wear gloves, long sleeves and a mask. [caption id="attachment_280" align="alignright" width="157"] Dritherm Insulation[/caption]

PIR Foilboard

If you can afford to spend more on your insulation, you may want to consider PIR foilboard products like those in the Kingspan Therma range. Despite its higher cost, PIR foilboard offers greater heat retention than either loft roll or cavity batts. PIR stands for Polyisocyanurate, a thermoset plastic foam which has a very low thermal conductivity, partly due to its “closed cell” structure. This block of foam is layered with a thin foil which offers greater thermal retention and prevents the passage of water vapour – meaning no damp and no rotting. Due to its impressive efficiency, PIR foilboard is generally thin and suitable for when space is at a premium. Thanks to their rigid structure and durability, this could be in the roof, behind walls or under floorboards. Furthermore due to their non-fibrous structure, they can be installed quickly and with minimal effort.  

Multifoil Roll

However if you require insulation which surpasses even PIR foilboard for space-effectiveness, you may want to purchase multifoil roll. The multi-layered structure of multifoil roll creates a high level of resistance to the transfer of heat, water vapour or air. This keeps the heat in and the cold out. Their efficient design also means that they can still be effective, even at a thickness of only a few centimetres. Why don’t you check the website or visit us in-store to find your best-suited option for insulation.