Insulation Perth reduces the energy needed to keep a home warm or cool. This preserves non-renewable resources and lowers the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses released by power plants.

The best insulators are less dense materials with pockets of air between their atoms, like fluffy cat fur or cellulose. This is why fiberglass and cellulose are rolled and fitted between studs and joists during new construction or remodels.

Fiberglass is a common insulation material, and it’s often used in homes and commercial buildings. It slows the transfer of heat and cold, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners who want to save money on energy bills. It also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

The material is made from a combination of natural minerals and manufactured chemicals. It typically consists of silica sand, limestone, soda ash and calcined alumina, among other ingredients. The mix can change, depending on what properties the fiberglass insulation is intended to achieve. For example, it can include other materials like nepheline syenite, magnesite, feldspar, borax and kaolin clay. Resin is also often included in the mix.

These raw ingredients are blended and placed into a furnace for melting. Then, they’re wound into long strands called monofilaments. These fibers are then cut and chopped up to create a variety of different fiberglass products. These can range from bulky insulation materials that resist conductive and convective heat flow to rigid foam boards and sleek foils.

The resulting material can be found in attics, crawl spaces, floor joists and open walls of homes and commercial buildings. It’s a popular choice for do-it-yourself projects. However, it can be a health risk if it’s not handled properly. Fiberglass can release fine particulates into the air that may be inhaled by those working in or near the material. This can cause respiratory issues, including coughing and nosebleeds.

It’s also important to note that different types of fiberglass have varying R-Values. A higher R-Value equates to greater thermal efficiency.

The company credited with creating fiberglass is Owens Corning, which was established in 1935. It continues to be an industry leader, producing fiberglass for home furnace filters and insulation as well as for use in aircraft, automobiles and industrial machinery. It’s also found in curtain and roofing materials and some plastics. The company continues to grow, acquiring other businesses and expanding its global footprint. Its corporate headquarters are in Toledo, Ohio. It has approximately 19,000 employees worldwide.

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool is a type of insulation that consists of stone, slag or glass material that undergoes melting and fiber formation. It comes in semi-rigid batts or sheets as well as loose-fill, similar to fiberglass. It was North America’s most popular insulation before the introduction of fiberglass batt insulation.

Often referred to as rock wool, slag wool, or glass mineral wool, it is a non-toxic, incombustible and durable insulation. The rock and slag materials used in its production are natural, renewable and/or recyclable, making mineral wool insulation an environmentally friendly choice. The slag used in this product is typically from the steel industry and the rock is extracted from volcanic and sedimentary sources. Both are non-toxic and require no chemical additives to ensure safety for building use.

It has low thermal conductivity, which helps reduce energy loss in homes and buildings. It also provides acoustic control. The porous nature of mineral wool allows air molecules to move within the material. When the molecules collide, sound waves are dissipated through friction in the material’s small pores and other gaps between individual grains. The result is a reduction in noise levels, providing a comfortable and safe environment.

Another benefit of mineral wool is its sturdiness. It can withstand high temperatures, as well as high wind loads. It is made with recycled material, which makes it a more sustainable option than fiberglass. It is also less prone to moisture damage and mold growth than other types of insulation.

Unlike fiberglass, which requires a significant amount of energy to produce, mineral wool is a much greener product with lower embodied energy. It is produced by heating sand, limestone and soda ash with a large proportion of recycled glass, then spinning it to create thin, hair-like glass fibres that are gathered into products such as mineral wool boards or wool insulation batts.

The rigidity of mineral wool makes it easy for builders to cut to size, which saves on installation time and labor costs. It fits seamlessly into the materials distribution streams that 99.9% of America’s builders understand, and is readily available from the same distributors and suppliers they already buy from. It also easily meets R-value requirements, and reaches higher R-values than fiberglass insulation can.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products and treated with fire retardant chemicals to create a fluffy material that is used to prevent heat transfer in homes. It is a great choice for retrofitting existing homes and insulating new construction, as it can be blown into walls and attics. It is available in two forms: loose-fill and dense pack. Loose-fill cellulose insulation is typically installed using a blowing machine and often referred to as “blown in” insulation. The dense version of the material is more commonly used in wall and ceiling applications.

The process of preparing cellulose insulation starts with shredding and grinding waste paper products to create small fibers that can be packed tightly into building cavities to provide thermal and acoustical insulation. It is then treated with chemical compounds including boric acid and ammonium sulfate to meet government safety standards for fire resistance.

Once the cellulose has been treated, it is mixed with water to form a slurry that can be sprayed into walls and attics or poured into open cavity areas. It is then allowed to dry, which can take a significant amount of time. In some instances, a liquid adhesive is added to the slurry to ensure it remains in place once it has dried.

When installed properly by an experienced contractor, cellulose can help to reduce energy consumption and increase the efficiency of buildings. It does not mold or rot and is a good choice for areas that may be subject to moisture and humidity. It also has the potential to reduce a building’s embodied energy significantly when compared with other insulation materials, particularly fiberglass.

One of the major benefits of cellulose is its high R-value of up to 3.7 per inch. This allows it to be installed at a lower thickness than other insulation materials, such as fiberglass. The higher R-value helps to prevent air pockets that can reduce the effectiveness of an insulated wall.

Unlike fiberglass, which loses its R-value over time, cellulose can keep its R-value for up to 40 years or more when installed properly. In addition, studies have shown that cellulose insulation can cut a home’s energy consumption by up to 30% when compared to fiberglass.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation, also known as polyurethane, is an alternative to traditional fiberglass insulation. Two quick-reacting liquid chemicals (isocyanate and polyol resin) are combined at the tip of a gun, then sprayed on roof tiles, concrete slabs or wall cavities to create an airtight barrier.

The unique cellular structure of spray foam allows it to fill every nook and cranny to prevent air leakage, which is one of the biggest causes of energy loss in homes and buildings. The resulting custom air seal helps stop heat transfer in the winter and keep your home cool in the summer, saving you money on heating and cooling costs.

Unlike fiberglass batts and rigid foam, spray insulation is installed in place so it’s easier to cover difficult to reach areas with a minimum of disruption. The installer points the spray nozzle into a tight space and squeezes the trigger to release the foam, which expands in place to fill the area with insulation. This technique can be used in attics, crawl spaces, rim joists, new construction or pole barns.

Open-cell spray foam has a lower R-value per inch than closed-cell foam but expands to up to 100 times its original volume, which helps prevent air infiltration. It’s best suited for attics and walls.

Closed-cell spray foam is thicker, stronger and more versatile than open-cell foam. Its incredible R-value helps keep your home or commercial building warm in the winter, reducing energy consumption and saving you money on heating costs. It also serves as a water barrier to protect against unwanted moisture that can cause mold, mildew and rotting of wood.

Insulation of all types stops a great deal of energy loss by blocking the conduction and convection of heat transfer. It keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, lowering your heating bills while decreasing your air conditioning bill.

During the manufacturing process, spray foam uses blowing agents with a high global warming potential (GWP). This type of insulation is now transitioning to low-GWP products as part of the green movement.