Your Guide to Understanding Insulation Materials

It’s no secret that insulation plays an important role in protecting our homes (and the people inside them) from extreme cold and heat. Insulation also serves the purpose of ensuring a higher degree of energy efficiency - by sealing in warm and cool air pushed out through our HVAC equipment during the winter and summer months. 

 

Any reputable air handling equipment service professional that uses equipment like duct cleaning rods, should be able to differentiate between the different types of insulation materials used in people's homes. Cultivating an understanding of how different insulation materials work to insulate the home can also inform you on what related issues may persist in the long term, and what tools to use i.e. duct cleaning rods, vacuums, etc. to remedy those issues.

 

In today’s blog we’ll discuss 3 common insulation materials used in the home.

 

Cellulose

Cellulose is an eco-friendly choice when it comes to home insulation materials. Often, it is manufactured from over 50% of recycled material. It is chosen for its ability to seamlessly fill in harder to reach small spaces - such as small gaps and nooks. In addition to providing superior insulation, it is also able to reduce sound. 

 

Fibreglass

Fibreglass is composed of very fine glass fibers. It is the pink, fluffy insulation material found in most homes. Fibreglass is lightweight, yet does not compromise on overall strength. Since glass is not a great conductor of heat, it makes a highly effective insulation material. Sometimes, when fibreglass insulation is poorly installed - fragments can end up in your air handling system. An air handling service professional should be able to effectively remove the material using relevant air handling equipment such as vacuums, or even duct cleaning rods. 

 

Rockwool

Rockwool insulation is produced when a naturally-occurring volcanic diabase rock is heated to high temperatures and spun into fine wool. It offers a myriad of advantages when it comes to insulating the home. Rockwood stone wool fibers are capable of enduring temperatures over 1000 degrees Celsius without melting. This means that it can actually reduce the speed of a fire in a property should it catch fire. Beyond that, rockwool offers superior thermal insulating properties - ensuring your home stays comfortable and warm during those cold, winter months.