Types of Insulation - Basic Forms
| Form | Method of Installation | Where Applicable | Advantages |
Blankets: Batts or Rolls
|
Fitted between studs, joists and beams | All unfinished walls, floors and ceilings | Do-it-yourself.
Suited for standard stud and joist spacing, which is relatively free from obstructions. |
| Loose-Fill (blown-in) or Spray-applied
|
Blown into place or spray applied by special equipment | Enclosed existing wall cavities or open new wall cavities;
Unfinished attic floors and hard to reach places |
Commonly used insulation for retrofits (adding insulation to existing finished areas).
Good for irregularly shaped areas and around obstructions. |
Rigid Insulation
|
Interior applications: Must be covered with 1/2-inch gypsum board or other building-code approved material for fire safety.
Exterior applications: Must be covered with weather-proof facing |
Basement walls
Exterior walls under finishing (Some foam boards include a foil facing which will act as a vapor retarder. Please read the discussion about where to place, or not to place, a vapor retarder.) Unvented low slope roofs. |
High insulating value for relatively little thickness.
Can block thermal short circuits when installed continuously over frames or joists. |
Reflective Systems
|
Foils, films, or papers: Fitted between wood-frame studs joists, and beams | Unfinished ceilings, walls, and floors | Do-it-yourself.
All suitable for framing at standard spacing. Bubble-form suitable if framing is irregular or if obstructions are present. Effectiveness depends on spacing and heat flow direction. |
| Loose-Fill (poured in) Vermiculite or Perlite |
Not currently used for home insulation, but may be found in older homes | ||
