Insulation FAQ: What is the Best Type of Insulation for Maryland?

Is adding insulation to your home on your 2022 list of home improvements? If so, we have just the article for you. As you may be aware, insulation is a material that acts as a barrier to heat loss and heat gain. When used in the home, insulation is most commonly found in roofs, ceilings, walls and floors. Insulation is typically one of the best and most cost-effective ways to make your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and more energy-efficient all year round. Not to mention insulation can also lessen the condensation in your home, which in turn reduces mold, dampness and other unwanted air pollutants.

You can see why insulation is such an important part of any functional and energy efficient home – as such, it is vital you find the best type of insulation for your home and where you live. In this article, we will be revealing the best type of insulation for homes in Maryland. Let us get straight to it! 

The Most Common Types of Insulation 

There are four common types of insulation that are used in residential homes, including: 

• Blanket insulation. Blanket insulation is filled with mineral fibers, including rockwool and fiberglass. It comes in a rolled-up form.  
• Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam insulation. This type of insulation is sprayed into the crevices and cracks of a home to prevent air leakage.
• Loose fill insulation. Loose fill insulation is made of cellulose, rockwool and/or fiberglass. It comes in pellets or fibers.
• Rigid insulation. This type of insulation is typically used in boards or pipe fittings and is usually used to insulate wall sheaths and foundations.

Why Your Home Needs Insulation 

Lowers Energy Bills 

Insulating your home increases the energy efficiency by naturally keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In turn, this reduces the amount of heating and cooling expenses required to keep your home temperate and comfortable all year round. As a result of adding insulation, your energy bills stay low. 

Adds Comfort 

Insulating your home is an effective way to improve the comfort of your living environment. This is because insulation helps regulate the temperature of your home, making it a more comfortable place to be. Insulation also acts as a moisture barrier, keeping unwanted moisture out of your house and protects the inside of your home. 

Eco-Friendly 

If you are eco-conscious, insulation will greatly help reduce your carbon footprint. This is because when your home is insulated, you will not need to use as much energy for heating and cooling your home. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it also reduces the amount of chemicals released into the environment from air conditioning units.

The Best Insulation for Maryland Homes

The best insulation will depend on where you are insulating in your home. The most common place for insulation is in the attic. The recommended insulation level for most attics in Maryland should be a minimum R-value of 38 and up to R-60, with an insulation depth of 12-22 inches, according to Energy Star. The R-Value measures the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow.

At Windows on Washington, we suggest fiberglass as one of the best attic insulation materials. Fiberglass insulation that comes in the form of a blanket is the ideal type of insulation for new construction and spaces that are easy to access, such as attics. Blanket insulation comes in rolls or batts, making it easy to cut and fit in any space, including around electrical boxes and pipes.

What are the advantages of blanket insulation?

• Affordable: Blanket insulation is cheaper than foam.
• Easy to install: It is very easy to install blanket insulation.
• Easy to find professional installers: Fibreglass has been around for longer than foam, meaning it is easier to find people who have experience in installing it properly.

What are the disadvantages of blanket insulation?

• Lower energy efficiency: Fibreglass has a lower R-value and is not as efficient as spray foam.
• Less durable: Blanket insulation often settles and breaks down faster, meaning its thermal protection decreases over time.

How Much Should You Pay for Quality Insulation in Maryland?

It is difficult to definitively say how much you should pay for quality insulation in Maryland. When it comes to determining the cost of quality insulation in Maryland, there are a few factors that are involved, such as:

• Type of insulation
• R-Value of the insulation
• Any other work required to complete the project
• How the insulation is installed

These are just some of the factors that will determine how much quality insulation will cost in Maryland. To get the most accurate quote, we suggest speaking with a professional air sealing and insulation specialist to evaluate the specific needs of your home. At WoW, we offer free, no-obligation quotes to help you find the right solution for your home. 

Speak to a WoW specialist today and find out how you can reduce your energy bills this winter with air sealing and insulation.