5.1.3 List and identify the types of insulation materials and their applications
- Glass Fibre, Cellulose, Mineral wool, Cotton:
- Most suitable for interior applications
- Frame walls, floors and ceilings
- Cost-effective $$$
- Insulation values a function of density
- Higher density = higher R-values (generally)
- Also higher density insulations more effectively reduce convection in wall cavities
- For example Mineral wool (e.g., Roxul) has a higher density than Fibreglass and a higher R-value/inch and greater resistance to moisture
- Performance of Batt-type insulation is directly related to installation practice, special care to cut and fit perfectly (esp. around wiring, plumbing etc., )
- Most suitable for interior applications
- Batt insulation
- Loose fill
- Glass fibre, mineral wool and cellulose
- Chopped or mixed with air and blown into place with special machinery
- Especially suitable for Attics
- High density blown (with a mesh) and wet spray cellulose are great options for walls
- May act as part of a redundant air barrier system (i.e., used in conjunction with another "recognized" air barrier system
- Cellulose fibre insulation
- Made from recycled newsprint (downcycling, but… is it?)
- Treated with chemicals to control flammability and prevent mould and fungi (e.g., borates)
- Best to use an interior air barrier system with loose fill
- Wall cavity and attic insulation, soundproofing
- Board stock:
- EPS - Expanded Polystyrene
- XPS - Extruded Polyst
yrene - Semi rigid glass or mineral fibre
- Polyisocyanurate
- EPS - Expanded Polystyrene
- Spray-type insulation:
- Spray or blown cellulose
- Spray polyurethane foam (SPF)
- Medium density (2 lb) closed cell spray foam. R-5.1 to 6 per inch (>5.5" can be used as vapour and air barrier)
- Low density open cell spray foam. R-3.8 per inch. (when > 5.5" applied, can act as an air barrier)
- Icynene R-5 per inch - similar properties to polyurethane
- Spray or blown cellulose