Insulation Explained Part Two: Loose Fill Insulation vs Rigid Insulation

Home insulation requires careful consideration, as it ensures your thermal comfort in both winter and summer. If done properly, it can save you thousands of dollars in heating and cooling bills over time. But before calling in a home improvement contractor to install it for you, you need to decide on (or at least review) which type of insulation you need.

In last week's blog, we covered foam versus blanket insulation, and this week we’ll look at loose fill versus rigid insulation.  Below is a list of product details and pros and cons for each option to help you make an informed choice.

Loose Fill Insulation – The Basics

Also known as blown insulation, this method is one of the most commonly used, especially due to its versatility and affordability. Loose fill insulation can comprise a variety of materials: cellulose (even recycled newspapers,) fiberglass, polystyrene beads, perlite or vermiculite). The R-value of these materials varies from 2 to 4 per inch and, of course, the price can also vary a great deal.

The Benefits of Loose Fill Insulation

• Versatile – you can use loose fill insulation for existing or new homes, and it is ideal for new wall cavities, in hard-to-reach places, and due to its malleable nature, in irregular shaped areas.
• Sound-proof – the fiberglass components of Loose Fill Insulation are ideal for soundproofing.
• Ease of installation – you can install it yourself using a rented machine or if you prefer to use a professional it is quite easy to find one willing to install this form of insulation.
• Affordable ­– loose fill insulation is one of the most affordable insulation options on the market when compared with Blanket or Foam Insulation options.

The Drawbacks of Loose Fill Insulation

• Fast decay – loose fill insulation is affected by convective air movement which lowers its R-value by as much as 50% over time.
• Lower pest control ­– Loose fill insulation doesn’t effectively deter pest or insects when compared with Foam or Blanket Insulation.
• Health concerns – fiberglass irritates the lungs and the skin, especially in loose installations.
• Fire hazard – most materials used in loose fill insulation are not fire-proof. Check with your local supplier or professional contractor for more information.

Rigid Insulation – The Basics

The most common materials used in rigid insulation are: polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene, bead board, EPS, XPS, rigid fiberglass, and phenolic foam boards. The R-value of these materials is much higher and it varies from 4 to 7 per inch. Of course, the price can also vary a great deal.

The Benefits of Rigid Insulation

• Energy efficient – rigid insulation offers excellent thermal comfort in both winter and summer.
• Breathability – the air moves around rigid insulation, but not through it, which makes it a great option for air sealing your home when compared with loose fill insulation.
• Durability – rigid insulation lasts longer than loose fill insulation and it maintains its form and its properties.
• Pest resistant – rodents and insects cannot nest in rigid insulation.

The Drawbacks of Rigid Insulation

• Expensive – the thermal comfort and durability can come at a steep price. However, if you live in a place with cold winters and hot summers like we do in the mid-Atlantic region, it may prove to be a good investment that helps you save on your heating and cooling bills.
• Hard to find – rigid fiberglass is not available in every local hardware store, which is not ideal if you are embarking on a DIY project.
• Prone to sunlight damage – some of the materials used for rigid insulation may degrade when exposed to sunlight, which is something to keep in mind when transporting the materials for your project, or storing it for installation at a later date.

Learn More

While improving the insulation in your home can deliver great benefits, both for comfort and financially, it is important to know all the options and potential pitfalls out there.

To learn more about the various types of insulation, best practices around installation, maintenance and what to expect during  insulation upgrades – download this free ebook on Air Sealing and Insulation.

Looking For An Expert?

If you prefer to speak to a specialist about how properly insulating your home can help you save on your energy  bills not only in the winter but also in the summer, months please contact Windows on Washington today.