What is Batt Insulation?

Batt Insulation is made of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass, also you can find batts and rolls made from mineral wool (which is also called rock wool), plastic fibers, and natural fibers such as cotton and sheep’s wool. It is cut into large thick pads or “batts”. This type of insulation can be used to insulate ceilings, floors, walls, and attics. Batt insulation often is used to fit between the framing of the home. For easy transportation, they are also manufactured in different sizes. Batt insulation is sold in a variety of R-Values and is the most comfortable and cheapest way to insulate new walls. It maintains its effectiveness because it doesn’t settle over some time.

Batt is also available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs, attic rafters, and floor joists. In order to maintain moisture levels under control during a wide range of temperatures, batt insulation will require a vapour barrier to install. Regarding air infiltration, it can be reduced by adding a layer of cellulose loose-fill on top of the material. If installed correctly, batt insulation can reduce the amount of energy required to cool or heat a house by 50%. Batt insulation installs quickly, easy and it delivers excellent thermal and sound control.

What is the R-Value of Batt Insulation?

R-Value describes how well the insulation works once installed. The R-Value of batt insulation depends on the thickness of the install. Mineral wool batts have a higher R-Value than fiberglass batts. Properly installing insulation around electrical wiring and plumbing, while ensuring proper ventilation in crawl spaces and attic, can be a complex process. A professional contractor has the skills and experience to properly install insulation to maximize effectiveness.

Mineral Wool Insulation vs. Fiberglass Insulation

From all the different types of insulation, fiberglass and mineral wool are probably the most similar ones. They both come in batts that are trimmed to fit inside stud bays, but that is where the similarities end. Mineral wool and fiberglass are completely different materials. Which one is better for your house situation? Take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of both types of insulation:

Size ➜ Fiberglass is available in a wider range of sizes and types than mineral wool. Mineral wool is only available in unfaced batts that are pressed into place.

R-Value ➜ The higher the R-Value the better is the thermal resistance. In comparison to fiberglass insulation, mineral wool has a higher R-Value, ranging between 3.3 and 3.5 inches.

Sustainability ➜ Fiberglass contains 20 to 30% recycled content while mineral wool insulation is composed of 70% or more recyclent content.

Weight ➜ Fiberglass is lightweight but it can be challenging to set into place because the batts are rather limp. On the other hand mineral wool is heavier than fiberglass, but the batts are also stiffer so they don’t bend over as easily. 

Water Resistance ➜ Mineral wool insulation is highly resistant to moisture and water. In case that fiberglass insulation gets wet, it becomes soggy and its insulating value drops.

Fire Resistance ➜ Mineral wool insulation is fire resistant and also can be used as a firestop, but fiberglass insulation is not as fire resistant as mineral wool.

Installation➜  To cut mineral wool use a serrated knife or woodcutting handsaw. In order to cut fiberglass insulation, compress it flat with a metal straightedge then slice it with a utility knife. In the mineral wool insulation, there is no stapling required because it comes in dense, firm batts that are friction-fit into place. While Fiberglass batts must be secured with staples or wires.

Where Can Batt Insulation Be Installed?

Batt insulation can be installed wherever you would install any type of insulation. Including floors, walls, ceiling, crawlspaces, and attics. However, is particularly well-suited for rooms on the cold north side of the house. Also for rooms in need of sound deadening, such as home theatres, music studios, etc. If properly installed, fiberglass insulation properly installed can keep your home well insulated and reduce your energy consumption for years to come. 

How to Install Batt Insulation in Walls    

Batt insulation comes pre-cut in the standard wall stud sizes, making it easy to install for most wall cavities. All it takes is a utility knife and a little patience to make sure the insulation completely fills the stud cavity, top to bottom and side to side, without being overly compressed. 

The installation may appear easy but there are some risks for a DIY installer. It is very important to consult a professional insulation contractor.

How to Install Batt Insulation in Attics

Batt insulation in attics is installed in the same manner as in a wall cavity. But you should be careful not to stuff the insulation too deeply into the area along the eaves of the house. Because it will block the soffit vents and prevent air from flowing into the attic and out a ridge vent. If it is necessary, staple polystyrene attic vents baffles between the roof rafters to prevent the insulation from covering the soffit vents.

Choose Eco Spray Insulation

At Eco Spray Insulation, we recommend that you consult a professional insulation contractor before you attempt any DIY insulation install. Our experts can highlight potential problems you may run into and they can ensure that you are taking the most cost effective route for your install.

Our team is determined to bring to homeowners the first rate quality products and the highest standard of expertise. Contact us at (416) 860-6664, or by email at info@ecosprayinsulation.ca and our Professional Team will be happy to assist you.

What is Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation is a material made from fine glass fibers and sand. It is also sometimes referred to as glass wool or fiberglass batts.  The thermal insulations made by fiberglass consist of intertwined and flexible glass fibers, which causes it to create millions of tiny air pockets. These air pockets are the actual insulator. Fiberglass as an insulator slows the spread of heat, cold, and sound in structures. The material does this by trapping pockets of air, keeping rooms warm in the winter and cooler in the summer.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiberglass Insulation

Advantages:

• Low weight. This makes it easier to work with even in DIY projects and can shorten the time of installation on a professional install.
• Minimal maintenance. Fiberglass is very long-lasting and requires minimal maintenance compared to other types of insulation.
• Thermal Insulation. Without fiberglass, it would be extremely difficult to keep warm or cool. This means lower utility costs, quieter, and a more comfortable living environment.

Disadvantages:

• Dangerous to humans. During installation, fiberglass insulation releases particulates into the air which may be inhaled by those installing or removing it. When inhaled, particles can cause coughing and other respiratory ailments.

Fiberglass for Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is a very popular home improvement project. If your attic has proper fiberglass or spray foam insulation can increase the value of your home. Also, it is capable of improving your home’s energy performance and comfort by reducing noise and keeping a standard temperature for a long period of time.

Blown-In Cellulose vs Fiberglass Insulation

R-Value

Every time you want to purchase insulation for your home, you will notice something called R-Value. R-values show to us how well an insulation material performs creating a thermal barrier. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation have similar R-Values between 3.5 to 3.7 per inch. Fiberglass exposed in extreme cold will reduce the R-Value.

Air Leakage

It’s true that neither insulation is an air barrier. Neither cellulose (even when dense-packed) nor fiberglass meets any technical standard for an air barrier. However, cellulose will slow air flow whereas fiberglass does not. When densely packed into a wall cavity, cellulose prevents most air flow. Even loose-fill cellulose slows some air movement.

Embodied energy

Embodied energy is the sum of energy required for a project or material. Fiberglass has a much higher embodied energy than cellulose insulation. Fiberglass is glass that is melted and spun into fibers like cotton candy. There are fiberglass brands which use recycled content but more often they use new raw materials.

Most cellulose brands use a high recycled content and the production process (shredding paper and adding fire retardant borates) uses much less energy.

Costs

When comparing blown-in insulation, both fiberglass and cellulose are nearly identical in price, both costing around $0.70 to $0.80 per square foot for 6 inches of insulation. Fiberglass batts, however, are less expensive, costing on average $0.30 to $0.40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.

Installation costs for blown-in insulation costs around $2 a square foot, where installation costs for batts is around $1 a square foot.

So, for an average installation of a single room of 240 square feet, blown-in insulation of either fiberglass or cellulose will cost between $650 and $670, while the same space insulated using fiberglass batts will cost between $310 and $340.

Durability

While Cellulose may provide more depth and better soundproofing qualities, it may lose its R-value over the years. After installation, cellulose has been reported to pack and settle. This can cause it to form pockets in the settled areas which can transfer hot or cold air into your home. Fiberglass, on the other hand, stays in its original form and shape, which typically means it lasts longer. Fiberglass can last over 30 years and often comes with a lifetime warranty. It is also quicker to install and offers more protection against mold and mildew growth.

Environmental Concerns

Cellulose insulation is considered a greener material than fiberglass. It is made from paper that has a minimum of 85% recycled content, such as newspapers. It does not pollute the air during manufacture or use as much energy to produce as fiberglass. Fiberglass fibers may become airborne, which can be considered a pollutant. And while fiberglass uses some recycled content, it is often closer to 50%, much less than cellulose. It also takes more energy to produce.

Safety

Fiberglass, which is naturally nonflammable, is made up of sand and other natural/recycled materials, while Cellulose (made up of newspaper; magazines; and cardboard) contains artificial chemicals. This is because when cellulose is bound together to create the insulation material, the machines used are not able to filter everything correctly, leading to pieces of credit cards, plastic cups, and other wasteful products being shredded into the material. Adhesive, boric acid and stabilizer chemicals are then added to cellulose. The boric acid allows cellulose to provide protection against pests, and also makes cellulose a fire-retardant material. However, Cellulose dissipates over time and turns to dust. The chemicals in Cellulose then become airborne contaminants that enter your home’s air, specifically through light fixtures and electrical ventilation, making the air in your home hazardous to you and your family. Fiberglass, however, uses natural binders and adhesives, making it a healthier, safer, and more eco-friendly choice.

Fiberglass for Basement Insulation

The key to building better mold free basements is to understand that there is a completely different set of challenges facing walls built below grade. 

The greatest source of moisture to contend with above grade is the warm, humid air generated by cooking, washing and simply breathing. Below grade, it is that big porous sponge called concrete that is sucking up water from the wet ground.

A different problem demands a different solution – wearing a raincoat will keep you dry when standing in a cold rain, but it won’t keep you dry when jogging under a hot sun. And unfortunately for many homeowners,  the way basements were finished for the last few decades is about as logical as jogging in a raincoat. 

Above grade, walls are designed to dry to the exterior. That is impossible below grade, but for some reason, we still build as if it were. Despite the fact that interior vapour barriers in below grade wall assemblies are commonplace, frustrated building scientists insist that installing them is the worst thing you could possibly do down there.

Fiberglass for Exterior Wall Insulation

Most wall assemblies, especially those in older homes, are built with two-by-four (2×4) studs. Since modern two-by-fours are not 4 inches, the true depth of the wall cavity is 3 1/2 inches.

In most wall applications, you will use R-13 or R-15 Kraft-faced fiberglass insulation rolls for these two-by-four stud walls. While rated differently, these two types of insulation are close enough in thickness that they can both fit into modern two-by-four wall systems.

Older homes, especially those pre-dating the 1950s, may employ two-by-fours that truly are 2 inches by 4 inches. In this case, use R-13 or R-15 fiberglass insulation. There is no 4-inch thick faced fiberglass insulation in batts or rolls on the common.

Insulation for 2×6 Walls

Some newer homes may have walls built with 2×6 studs. Use R-19 or R-21 Kraft-faced fiberglass insulation for two-by-six (2×6) walls. This combination ensures that the insulation is neither too loose nor too tightly packed within the walls.

DIY Fiberglass Insulation vs a Professional Install

Before you decide on DIY insulation or hire a professional, you should make a plan determining how much insulation you need and where you need it. Because of the safety considerations even if you chose for DIY insulation, it’s best that you take professional advice. In case of little or no ventilation, possible presence of Asbestos, rotted attic rafters or wet insulation indicating leaks it’s advisable to call our professional team.

Conclusion

At Eco Spray Insulation, we try to understand all the needs of our customers in order to guarantee every project in the best way possible. We use only the highest quality insulation products. Using specialized equipment, the cellulose (or fiberglass) provides an effective insulation envelope, with coverage that protects all of the gaps, cracks, and crevices throughout the attic and roof cavity. Spray foam insulation is probably the best thing you could do for your home. With your help, we try to stay among the best insulation contractors in Canada.

FAQs

Q: Is exposed fiberglass insulation dangerous?

A: During installation, fiberglass insulation releases particulates into the air which may be inhaled and can cause coughing and can act as lung, eye, and skin irritants.

Q: Does fiberglass stay in your lungs forever?

A: Inhaled fibers are eliminated from the body parts from coughing, the body’s defense mechanism, and through the digestive system.

Q: How long can fiberglass insulation last?

A: If fiberglass insulation is maintained properly and not damaged, it can last 80 to 100 years.

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