Insulation Training

Insulation in Residential and Commercial Properties

Common Insulation Types

 Fiberglass

• Description: A widely used insulation material made from spun glass fibers.  

• Forms: Available in batts, rolls, and loose-fill.

• Applications: Walls, attics, floors, and crawl spaces.

• Advantages: Relatively inexpensive, effective thermal performance.  

• Disadvantages: Can cause skin and respiratory irritation during installation, loses effectiveness when wet.  

Cellulose

• Description: Made from recycled paper, treated with fire retardants.  

• Forms: Loose-fill and dense-pack.  

• Applications: Walls, attics, and hard-to-reach areas.  

• Advantages: Environmentally friendly, good air sealing properties.  

• Disadvantages: Can absorb moisture, requires professional installation for dense-pack applications.  

Mineral Wool

• Description: Made from rock or slag that is melted and spun into fibers.  

• Forms: Batts, rolls, and loose-fill.

• Applications: Walls, attics, and high-temperature applications.  

• Advantages: Excellent fire resistance, good sound absorption.  

• Disadvantages: Can be more expensive than fiberglass, may cause skin irritation.  

Spray Foam

• Description: A liquid foam that is sprayed into cavities and expands to fill the space.

• Types: Open-cell and closed-cell.

• Applications: Walls, attics, and hard-to-reach areas.

• Advantages: Excellent air sealing, high R-value (thermal resistance).

• Disadvantages: More expensive than other options, requires professional installation, closed cell foam can be water proof.  

Rigid Foam Board

• Description: Made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS).

• Forms: Rigid boards of various thicknesses.

• Applications: Walls, roofs, and foundations.

• Advantages: High R-value, moisture resistance.

• Disadvantages: Can be flammable, requires careful installation to prevent air leakage.

Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)

• Description:

  • Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in building materials due to its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties.  

  • However, asbestos fibers are hazardous when inhaled, posing serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.  

• Common ACMs:

  • Vermiculite insulation: Often found in attics and walls.  

  • Pipe insulation: Found wrapped around hot water and steam pipes.  

  • Sprayed-on insulation: Found on ceilings and walls.  

  • Floor tiles and mastics.

• Safety Precautions:

  • Always assume older buildings may contain ACMs.

  • Do not disturb or damage suspected ACMs.

  • Only trained and licensed asbestos abatement professionals should handle ACM removal.  

  • Any work that disturbs asbestos containing material, can be highly regulated.  

• Importance:

  • It is very important that anyone who works in building restoration, and demolition understands the dangers of asbestos.

Key Considerations for Insulation

• R-value: Measures the thermal resistance of insulation. Higher R-values indicate better insulation.  

• Moisture control: Proper insulation and ventilation are essential to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.  

• Air sealing: Insulating and sealing air leaks can significantly improve energy efficiency.  

• Safety: Always follow safety precautions when working with insulation materials, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Local codes, and regulations should be adhered to, when selecting and installing insulation.

1. Material Type:

• Different insulation materials have inherently different R-values. For example, spray foam generally has a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass batts.  

2. Thickness:

• In most cases, the thicker the insulation, the higher the R-value. Adding more insulation increases its resistance to heat flow.  

3. Density:

• The density of the insulation material also plays a role. Higher density doesn't always equate to a higher R-value, but it can in certain cases. For example, the density of spray foam greatly effects its R value. Also with loose fill insulation, compaction of the material, changes the R value.  

4. Temperature:

• The R-value of some insulation materials can vary with temperature. In some cases, the R-value might increase in colder temperatures, while in others, it might decrease.  

5. Moisture:

• Moisture can significantly reduce the R-value of many insulation materials. Wet insulation is a poor insulator.  

6. Compression:

• If insulation is compressed, its R-value will decrease. This is why it's crucial to install insulation according to manufacturer specifications and avoid compressing it.  

7. Airflow:

• Air movement through or around insulation can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Proper air sealing is essential for maximizing the R-value of insulation.  

8. Aging:

• Over time, some insulation materials can degrade or settle, leading to a decrease in their R-value.

Understanding R-Value and Air Pockets

• R-Value Basics:

  • R-value measures an insulation material's resistance to heat flow.  

  • A higher R-value means better insulation.  

• Air's Role:

  • The primary way insulation works is by trapping air within its structure.

  • Air is a poor conductor of heat, so it effectively slows down heat transfer.  

  • Insulation materials create pockets or spaces that hold this air.  

How Compaction Affects R-Value

• Loss of Air Pockets:

  • When insulation is compacted, the air pockets within it are reduced or eliminated.

  • This diminishes the insulation's ability to trap air, which is essential for its thermal resistance.

• Increased Heat Conduction:

  • With fewer air pockets, heat can transfer more easily through the compressed insulation material itself.

  • This results in a lower R-value and reduced insulating effectiveness.

• "Thinning" Effect:

  • Compaction essentially makes the insulation layer thinner, meaning there is less depth for the heat to have to travel through.

  • Therefore the heat passes through the thinner insulation faster, than it would have, if it was at it's designed thickness.

Examples:

• Fiberglass Batts:

  • If fiberglass batts are compressed during installation, they lose their "fluffiness."  

  • This reduces the amount of trapped air and lowers their R-value.  

• Loose-Fill Insulation (Cellulose, Fiberglass):

  • Loose-fill insulation can settle or become compacted over time, especially if exposed to moisture or vibrations.  

  • This reduces its thickness and the amount of air it can trap.

Key Implications:

• Improper Installation:

  • Compacting insulation during installation is a common mistake that can significantly reduce its performance.  

• Water Damage:

  • Water damage can lead to insulation compaction, further exacerbating the issue.

• Settling:

  • With time, gravity can cause certain insulation types to settle, compacting the insulation at the lower portions, leading to lower R-values.