Some of the most popular types of insulation include polystyrene insulation, polyurethane foam insulation and fiberglass insulation, as well as what is known as “loose fill” insulation. Loose fill insulation is manufactured out of a combination of loose fiberglass, shredded paper and mineral wool. Polystyrene insulation and polyurethane foam insulation is available in rigid board form. Polyurethane insulation is also available in expanding, injectable foam form. Fiberglass insulation is available in rolls as well as a loose form that can be dispersed with blowing agents.
A material’s “R-value” is an indication of the ability of the material to curb heat transfer through the walls and siding of a given home or building, according to the sources at Ask The Builder. Higher R-values indicate more efficient thermal insulation. Fiberglass and polyurethane foam are some of the top insulators on the market. However, according to R-Value, polyurethane foam can be up to three inches thinner than fiberglass insulation with the same R-value. In general, rolled fiberglass has an R-value of three to four per inch of insulation while polyurethane foam has an R-value of between 3.5 and 4.5 per inch of insulation. Polystyrene insulation offers an R-value of four to five per inch of insulation, and loose fill insulation offers an R-value of about 3.5 per inch of insulation.
Polyurethane injectable insulation is easy to install because it expands as it cures. A wall can be easily filled with expanding foam or other blown insulations by creating a small access point in the wall and injecting the insulation, as opposed to removing the wall entirely. Installing rolled fiberglass, polystyrene board or polyurethane board insulation requires much more extensive and larger access points. Polystyrene boards are often used in tandem with rolled fiberglass insulation.
According to ESP Energy, injecting some brands of polyurethane insulation releases toxic gases, which can be severely damaging if inhaled. Eye exposure to any form of polyurethane foam insulation can result in temporary blindness. Toxins from polyurethane foam can easily reach the blood stream through contact with the epidermis. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions after handling polyurethane foam insulation, according to the sources at the Center for Polyurethanes. Fiberglass is also a well-known skin irritant. To avoid injury from insulations, consumers should wear respirators, gloves and eye protection while handling certain types of insulation. Flames should be kept away from direct contact with polyurethane foam insulations because they are the most flammable types of insulation on the market, according to Ask The Builder.
Fiberglass insulation and loose-fill insulation is constructed out of a percentage of recycled materials. Fiberglass insulation typically contains around 35 percent of recycled materials in its construction. Polyurethane spray foam insulation offers the benefit of providing more efficient sound insulation than other types of insulation. Aside from the health risks involved, one of the biggest drawbacks with polyurethane insulation is that it degrades slowly throughout the years. Polyurethane foam insulation loses a small amount of R-value as it ages.