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Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation provides proven performance and energy savings at a superior value, making it a popular choice of insulation among homeowners. Keep reading to learn more about fiberglass insulation.
The popular, budget-friendly insulation type
More than likely, you’ve already seen fiberglass insulation, either at the hardware store or in your own home.
It has a cotton candy-like appearance (and is often pink) but it doesn’t feel like cotton candy. In fact, if you haven’t tried to yet, don’t touch it–at least not with bare hands! Because it’s primarily made of tiny glass fibers, fiberglass insulation leaves bare skin very itchy and splintered upon contact; sometimes it may cause skin rashes.
While fiberglass is a component in various products ranging from automobile bodies to tent poles, it’s also effective as an insulator because it slows the spread of heat, cold, and even sound. More specifically, the glass fibers trap pockets of air, keeping rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer, increasing a home’s energy efficiency, similar to spray foam insulation. However, there are also key differences between fiberglass insulation and other types.
Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation
Keeps your family comfortable all year round
Most importantly, fiberglass insulation helps keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. This means that you and your family will feel more comfortable inside your home all year long.
Can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 40%
Because fiberglass insulation helps your home maintain its internal temperature, this means your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work overtime. Not only that, it also means it would take less time for your home to reach that ideal temperature. Less work for your heating/AC units means lower energy bills!
Helps minimize airborne noise
Fiberglass insulation helps reduce the levels of percussion in your home by absorbing the vibrations and reverberations from inside and outside. Simply put, it minimizes unwanted noise, such as water running through a pipe or cars passing through your neighborhood in the middle of the night. This is ideal for homeowners who enjoy peace and quiet.
Relatively inexpensive
Fiberglass insulation is cheaper in comparison to other alternatives. This is partly because it’s not a permanent fix. Fiberglass does need to be replaced every so often to maintain your home’s insulation. One of its major downsides is that it can get dusty, moldy, and/or lose its effectiveness over time, creating a less-than-ideal environment for your family.
Can be a DIY project — sometimes
Many homeowners choose to take on installing fiberglass batt insulation as a personal project. While this is an excellent way to save extra cash, it’s highly recommended to consult with a specialist to figure out which type of fiberglass insulation best suits your project. Remember: not all fiberglass insulation is created equal!
Non-combustible = no fire hazard
Fiberglass itself is naturally non-combustible, so it will not catch fire.
*However, the paper/foil facings are flammable, so it’s important to install the ideal type for every area of your home.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Panels of fiberglass insulation, also known as “batts,” are ideal for insulating unfinished walls, floors, and ceilings. Batt insulation is very flexible, allowing for easier installation between studs, rafters, and joint blocks. Not only are they easy to cut down to various lengths these panels also come in various widths. Additionally, they are also available with or without facings in various widths.
Although installing batt insulation is a popular DIY project, it’s still a tricky process to make sure you have 1) enough material for the job and 2) the proper, code-compliant material for the area you live in.
Consult a local expert today! It’s easy and completely charge-free!
Blown-in Fiberglass Insulation
Similar to panel insulation (batts), blown-in fiberglass can be used in unfinished walls, attics, and crawl spaces. However, blown-in fiberglass insulation is more ideal for the harder-to-reach areas.
Most importantly, unlike batt insulation, blow-in installing fiberglass requires the use of specialized equipment.
To avoid any mishaps, it’s best to contact a certified installer who specializes in this type of insulation.
Insulation for Multiple Areas of Your Home
ATTICS
Installing fiberglass insulation in your attic can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by trapping pockets of air, minimizing how much warm or cool air can escape your home.
WALLS
Fiberglass Batts can be used for unfinished walls when building. Alternatively, blown-in fiberglass can be used for retrofit installations, meaning that it can be blown into the walls of homes that are already fully built.
CRAWL SPACES
Blown-in fiberglass is easy to install in tight and unusual spaces, especially in areas filled with obstacles. Additionally, it protects pipes and HVAC ducts from freezing temperatures in the winter, preventing damage and conserving energy.
Trust the experts. Call Cameron Home Insulation today!
If you live in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, Cameron Home Insulation should be your first choice when it comes to selecting the best insulation service for your home. We are an independently owned and operated contractor that has been in the full-service home insulation business for four generations and have expertise in the installation and removal of fiberglass insulation.
Call 443-290-5182 for more information about our top-notch fiberglass products and professional services.
Is it time to replace my insulation?
Fiberglass insulation is as useful as it is budget-friendly. However, in order to maintain a home’s energy efficiency and comfort levels, fiberglass insulation needs replacing over time. If you aren’t sure if yours is due for replacement, it’s easy and free to get a certified professional to make an assessment.
It’s definitely time for a change if you’re currently experiencing any of the following:
Uncommonly bad allergy symptoms while at home
Lingering unpleasant (moldy) odors
Water leakage or signs of water damage
Household pests
Inexplicably higher heating/cooling bills
Drafts or inconsistent temperatures
While it is common to replace fiberglass insulation with newer, similar insulation, it may even be prudent to upgrade to a different type of insulation altogether for the added benefit of not having to worry about these same problems.
Tell us what your home needs and we’ll be happy to make recommendations at various price points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I insulate?
In order to drastically increase energy efficiency while creating a comfortable living environment for you and your family, we recommend insulating and air-sealing the entire home, from the attic to the basement, and every area in between (crawl spaces, exterior walls, interior walls).
How much does fiberglass insulation cost?
The cost of fiberglass insulation will depend on which type it is and how much of it is needed. Fiberglass batt insulation, for example, comes in many thicknesses and lengths, so the price will vary from type to type.
Also, the amount of manual labor needed will also determine how much the entire service will cost. Blown-in fiberglass involves a different installation process from fiberglass batt insulation, and while it may take less time to install, it requires the use of special machinery.
To get the best estimate, an expert installer would have to inspect and measure the area, as well as asses which kind of fiberglass insulation it will need.
Can I get a free quote?
Absolutely! Call us today at 443-290-5182 to receive a free quote.
Our experts will help you weigh your options and make sure you get the best solution with your budget. First, at no cost to you, we inspect your home to see what kind of work it needs. Then, we present you with options and help you choose the best one for your needs.
Whether your home insulation installation project is big or small, you can count on us to complete it in a way that leaves you fully satisfied.
How do I get a rebate?
There are certain eligibility requirements you would have to meet in order to qualify for a rebate. Read this blog post for more information. Alternatively, one of our experts would be happy to explain rebate programs for you.
Can I install fiberglass insulation myself?
Making sure you have the correct type of fiberglass insulation takes intense research and some precise calculation, especially for a first-time DIY installer. First of all, fiberglass insulation mainly comes in two forms: fiberglass batt insulation and blown-in fiberglass insulation*. Additionally, there are several variations of these products to suit specific projects and building codes.
The safest bet is to trust your local experts. As previously mentioned, we’ve been in the industry for many years and we always use the best quality tools and materials. Also, we use proper installation techniques to get the job done right. Learn more…
*Note: Blown-in fiberglass should always be installed by a professional, licensed installer because the process requires special machinery. While this may be your preference over batt insulation, it cannot be DIY-ed.
What is R-value?
R-value is defined as a measure of thermal resistance or ability to transfer from hot to cold through materials (such as insulation, walls, and floors.) The higher the R-value, the thicker the insulation and the more comfortable your home will be.
It’s important to note that R-values vary across insulation materials. Fiberglass Batt insulation generally has an R-value between 3.1 and 3.4 per inch. Blown-in fiberglass ranges from 2.2 to 4.3 per inch for attics and 3.7 to 4.3 per inch for walls.
WHAT R-VALUE DOES MY HOME NEED IN ORDER TO BE COMFORTABLE DURING A HARSH WINTER?
Generally, a home’s ideal R-value depends on what region of the country it is located in, as well as which areas of the home the homeowner plans to add insulation. For example, according to the Maryland Department of Energy, exterior walls should have an R-value ranging between R-13 and R-23, whereas for ceiling and attic areas, the range goes from R-38 to R-49.
It’s best to talk to an expert to get your home’s specifics.
What type of insulation do I need?
Again, this depends on where you plan to install insulation and your region’s building codes (i.e. required R-values). Please refer to the previous question.
When is the best time to insulate?
While it’s common for homeowners to insulate in preparation for a hot summer or a cold winter, it’s always a good idea to prevent a spike in energy bills before they happen. The fact of the matter is, while one’s home may already have insulation installed, many forms of insulation don’t last. In order to maintain their efficiency, many forms of insulation eventual replacing.
In worse cases, some homeowners only think about replacing their insulation after the underperforming insulation has already damaged other parts of their home (i.e. a pipe burst after being exposed to freezing temperatures).
Luckily, professional insulation contractors install insulation all year round. If you live in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area and you’re not sure whether you need to replace or upgrade your insulation, call 443-290-5182 to speak to one of our experts. Don’t worry, a consultation is free!
