Insulation

Fibreglass

Fibreglass is one of the most common insulation materials in the building and construction industry. Made mostly from recycled glass, it is used in both commercial and residential markets for a myriad of reasons. By efficiently weaving fine strands of glass into an insulation material, fiberglass is proficient at reducing heat transfer. Fibreglass is a superb and an affordable non-flammable insulation material, with R-values ranging from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch.

Cellulose

Constructed from recycled paper products, cellulose is one of the top eco-friendly insulation materials in the industry today. This insulator contains almost no oxygen, making it a champion at lowering potential fire damage. Cellulose’s R-values range from R-3.1 to R-3.7.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool can be broken down into two insulation material categories—rock wool, made from basalt, and slag wool, manufactured out of slag from steel mills. Mineral wool is non-flammable and doesn’t require additives to make it fire resistant. This environmentally friendly insulation material has an R-value ranging from R-2.8 to R-3.5.

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foams are fire resistant and make an effective insulation material. These foams contain non-chlorofluorocarbon (non-CFC) gas, helping to minimize the risks to the ozone layer. And If you are looking for a superb sound insulating option, polyurethane is a great choice. These foams have an R-value of R-6.3 per inch.

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a transparent, waterproof thermoplastic insulation material. Unlike most insulators, polystyrene has a distinctively smooth surface. This insulation product can be cut into blocks, making it an excellent alternative for insulating walls. Because polystyrene is flammable, it will need to be coated with a fireproofing chemical. The more expensive options have an R-value of R-5.5.