Now that the weather is getting a whole lot frostier around the Twin Cities, if your home isn’t up to the challenge, things can get miserable fast. The colder winter days have a way of exposing every little vulnerability in a home from that bitter draft near the front window to the ice dams forming on your roof. And all of these vulnerabilities can hit your energy bills hard, costing you significantly more if your home has inadequate insulation.

At The Construction Group in Woodbury, we offer a complete range of insulation installation services for homes and businesses throughout Minnesota. To help you sort through the many insulation options out there, we’ve put together this guide to the different types of insulation used in modern homes. Give us a call to get a quote on your insulation upgrades today.

Types of Insulation

The biggest factor affecting the type of insulation to use in a home is the climate a home is located in. An area with a much colder winter climate like Minnesota will require a higher R-value rating. R-value simply refers to a product’s ability to limit the transfer of heat through conductivity and radiation. The area of a home should also be considered. For example, a basement will require a lower R-value than an attic. Additionally, certain types of insulation are better suited for walls than for floors. Finally, your budget will also play a role in the decision-making process.

Here is a breakdown of the most common types of insulation found in homes:

1.    Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is mixed as a liquid and sprayed into a tight area like a wall or floor. As spray foam insulation is sprayed, it turns into a hard, expanding foam product that closes up the nooks, crannies, gaps, and cracks it encounters, creating a completely airtight space. Spray foam is incredibly effective but a little more costly than other types of insulation.

2.    Loose-Fill Insulation

When you think of conventional, fluffy insulation, you’re thinking of what’s known as “loose-fill” insulation. Also known as blown-in insulation, it can be made from a wide range of materials like mineral wool, cellulose, and fiberglass. This type of insulation is typically found in attics, crawl spaces, ceilings, and walls.

3.    Insulation Rolls or Batts

Most commonly made with fiberglass batt, insulation rolls can also be made using other recycled materials including plastic fibers, natural fibers, and mineral wool, among others. It is often combined with kraft paper to serve as an additional barrier against air and moisture.

4.    Less Common Insulation Materials

In addition to the more common types of insulation mentioned above, many other types of home insulation are available. These include products like foam board, rigid foam, insulated concrete forms, structural insulated panels, and radiant barrier insulation.

Call Our Minnesota Insulation Installers

If you’re tired of grabbing an extra sweater just to get comfortable in your own living room, it’s time for an insulation audit. To connect with our insulation services at The Construction Group, give us a call at 651-731-5857 or contact us online today.