One way to help you cut down on your energy expenditures is to install home insulation. This home improvement upgrade will ensure that your indoor climate will remain comfortable by keeping heat in when it’s cold outside—and out when a cooler indoor temperature is desired instead. Because of insulation, you won’t have to heavily rely on your HVAC system to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This results in lowered electrical consumption and a significant increase in energy savings over time.
There are a lot of insulation products available on the market, and each one has its own set of benefits. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 8 benefits of using fiberglass insulation, which is one of the most common insulation materials found in homes.
1. Impressive R-Value
R-value measures the effectiveness of the insulation product when it comes to preventing heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the better resistance the insulation material has against conductive heat transfer. The amount of R-value you’ll need to get the full effects of insulation will depend on several factors. One of these is your area’s climate zone as determined by the US Department of Energy.If you live in the warmer areas of the country, you can get away with installing insulation solutions with smaller R-values. On the other hand, if you live in the colder areas, you’ll generally need insulation products with higher R-values to be able to keep as much heat in your home when it gets cold.
Another factor you need to consider is the space that’s being insulated. If you live in Zones 1 to 3 and you want to insulate a wall cavity, insulation products with a minimum of R13 insulation value will typically suffice. However, if you want to insulate your attic you’ll need insulation with a minimum R-value of R30.
As a staple insulating material, fiberglass is available as different types of insulation products with varying R-values. You can get fiberglass insulation that can provide you with the precise amount of R-value you need to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
2. Cost-Effective Choice
Fiberglass insulation is the most cost-effective insulating product, and one of the reasons for its affordability is due to its method of installation. The most popular types of fiberglass insulation used in homes come in batt or roll form. These blanket-type insulation products are pre-cut to specific lengths, and unlike blown-in or spray foam insulation, you don’t need special equipment to install them. Because of this, they’re easier to handle and they lend better to DIY installations.
3. Fire Resistance
Fiberglass is made from sand and recycled glass, so it’s naturally non-flammable. It also retains its non-combustible quality over time, so it doesn’t need to be treated with fire-retardant chemicals as it ages. Because of fiberglass’s high resistance to fire, many building codes recognize it as an acceptable fire stop material in wood- and steel-framed wall assemblies.
4. Moisture Resistance
Fiberglass is also moisture resistant as it doesn’t absorb or hold water. Because of this, fiberglass insulation can help lower your property’s risk of developing moisture-related damage like mold and mildew growth, as well as wood rot. Nevertheless, fiberglass insulation can still be contaminated or compromised by moisture. To help bolster your insulation’s resistance against moisture, it’s in your best interest to install a vapor barrier with it.
5. Soundproofing
Fiberglass insulation batts and rolls are also capable of absorbing sound. Installing them within your walls and floors helps reduce the noises produced by footsteps, objects dropping on the floor, and people having a conversation in the next room. When your home has excellent soundproofing, it increases your property’s privacy levels as well.
6. Reliable Thermal Performance over Time
Fiberglass insulation can maintain its R-value over a long period of time. However, to ensure that it will provide you with reliable thermal performance, fiberglass insulation needs to be installed properly. When fiberglass comes in batts or roll form, for example, it has to be installed at its designed thickness. Should you compress it, you’ll lose a lot of its R-value.
7. Improves Well-Being
With fiberglass insulation ensuring that your indoor climate remains pleasant, the thermal comfort of your property is improved. When your living spaces are comfortable, they also benefit you physiologically and mentally. You’ll feel calmer, less stressed, and have the energy to be more productive. Pairing fiberglass insulation with other building enhancements, like better ventilation and balanced humidity levels, can help further improve your home’s thermal comfort —and subsequently, your overall well-being.
8. Increases Home Value
Because of the many benefits fiberglass insulation provides, expect your home’s value to increase when you plan to sell it. Home insulation is often taken into consideration when a house’s value is being assessed, and it’s also an attractive upgrade for many homebuyers.
There are many insulation materials available on the market, so choosing the right one can be challenging. However, if you’re looking for an insulation product that’s affordable and provides you with numerous benefits, fiberglass is most likely your best option.