Here’s How to Choose the Right Insulation

Properly insulating your home will boost its comfort and energy efficiency. By reducing heat transfer, insulation helps your home stay cool in summer and warm in winter. This will shrink your energy bill year-round. Here’s what to look for when choosing home insulation products.

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Types of Home Insulation Performance Considerations Accessories & Installation Tools

Types of Home Insulation

Home insulation projects run the gamut from small, one-hour fixes to major, multi-day home improvements. Here are the insulation products you’ll need to get the job done right.

Performance Considerations

Getting the most from your home insulation comes down to more than just insulation material. It’s also about proper installation and sealing. Here’s what you need to know.

DIY vs. Pro Installation

Aside from spray foam, all insulation types can be tackled by homeowners, but major projects can be messy and/or time-consuming. Manufacturer installation instructions must be followed precisely to achieve full insulation benefits.

Proper Sealing

Air sealing minimizes air movement in and out of your home via cracks, gaps and holes. Because drafts dramatically reduce the effectiveness of insulation, air sealing should always accompany any insulation project.

R Value

R value is a measurement of a material’s ability to resist heat transfer. The higher the R value, the greater its insulating ability, however, proper installation and sealing are crucial in achieving a product’s labelled R value.

Home Insulation Accessories & Installation Tools

Ace your home insulation installation with these essential accessories and tools.

Foil tape

Use this self-adhesive tape to connect and seal ductwork, vapour and weather barriers where moisture- and temperature-resistance are priorities.

Caulking

Weatherproof your windows and your home’s exterior by caulking to seal gaps, cracks and holes.

Tape Measure

Use a tape measure to accurately determine the dimensions of a space, as well as your insulation materials.

Straight Edge

A straight edge can be used to trim foam board, rock wool, bubble foil and other insulation.

Utility Knife

Use a sharp blade for even cuts to foam board, rock wool, pipe wraps, bubble foil and other materials.

Stapler

Use a stapling tool to secure some types of insulation or barriers to studs and framing.

Putty Knife

A putty knife makes it easy to push insulation into small spaces and crevices, and to apply caulk to window frames.

Dust Mask

Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust and/or airborne particles.

Safety Goggles

Protect your eyes from dust, debris and/or airborne particles.

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FAQs

What is R-value in insulation?

The R-value of insulation refers to the amount of resistance it has to heat flow per inch of depth. The higher the R-value the better the insulation. Keep in mind, however, that insulation thickness can vary. So one inch of insulation with an R-value of 40 is equal to two inches of insulation with an R-value of 20.

Does mineral wool insulation contain asbestos?

No. Mineral wool insulation, also known as rock wool, is made from melted rock and blast furnace slag and does not contain any asbestos. It is also fireproof and is accepted as a fire block in wood frame structures.

What is cellulose insulation?

Cellulose insulation is made of paper, paperboard, and wood products, and can be comprised of up to 100% recycled materials. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice than some other types of insulation. However, cellulose insulation does require specialized equipment to be blown in so it’s less suitable DIY installation.

Can foam board insulation get wet?

Foam board insulation is more moisture-resistant than most other types of insulation. This makes it ideal for use in damp basements, exterior foundations, and on the outside of your home beneath a housewrap. Also, foam board will not expand or contract in extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure to water will degrade any type of insulation, but for moisture-prone areas foam board is a good choice.