There are a few choices in home insulation. If you're having a new home constructed, the builder may use spray foam in the attic and on the walls as the home is built. Adding spray foam to an existing house is a little trickier since the walls are already closed. However, you can still choose between spray foam, blown-in cellulose, and fiberglass batt insulation. Fiberglass insulation could be a good choice if you want to add new insulation to your existing home. Here's why:

Fiberglass Insulation Is A Less Expensive DIY Option

You can hire a contractor to install fiberglass insulation, but if you have some home improvement skills, you can probably do it yourself as long as you take precautions to prevent inhaling the fibers as you work. The rolls of fiberglass insulation are easy to buy and transport. They are also fairly easy to install. One of the things people appreciate most about fiberglass is that it is an affordable way to add insulation to the home.

The blankets of fiberglass are cut to fit the standard width between joists, beams, studs, and rafters. This makes it possible to install fiberglass batt insulation in your attic, crawlspace, and between the walls. All you have to do is force the blanket into the space, so it has a snug fit and then staple it into place. Fiberglass can be irritating to your skin, so you'll want to wear long sleeves. You should also wear eye protection and a mask, so the tiny glass fibers don't irritate your nose, lungs, or eyes.

Fiberglass Offers Excellent Insulation

Blankets of fiberglass provide excellent insulation because of the way they are made. Fiberglass is a mixture of sand and glass. When it's used to make insulation, the fibers are spun very thin, so the material traps air. This makes the insulation thick and fluffy. Because the blanket is soft and flexible, it can be fitted snugly into the space between studs to block air leaks. Since the insulation holds air, it is effective at blocking heat transfer into and out of your home. The air also acts as a sound barrier as an added benefit. You can buy fiberglass blankets in various thicknesses. The thicker the fiberglass, the more expensive it is, but the better it insulates.

Fiberglass Lasts A Long Time

Fiberglass blanket insulation lasts for many years as long as it isn't damaged. This makes it very cost effective. Insects won't damage fiberglass because it doesn't have any nutritional value to them. Rats won't eat it, but they might shred it for nests, so you'll want to keep rodents out of your home to protect your insulation. Fiberglass is also fire resistant since it is made of glass and sand. The biggest threat to fiberglass insulation is water. If your home develops a roof leak that drips water onto fiberglass, the wet area will compress and lose its ability to insulate. It might even grow mold. Therefore, you should inspect your attic before winter each year to make sure the insulation is in good shape and to replace any pieces of insulation that may be wet or moldy.

Fiberglass batt insulation has been used for many decades to insulate homes. It will improve the energy efficiency of your home, and it's a good choice if you need to improve insulation on a tight budget. Contact a company like Green Improvement Consulting for more information and assistance.