Important things you should know about insulation & insulation products.
About Insulation: Insulation comes in many types and forms. The following insulation materials are commonly used in specific areas of a residence:
'Batt' or Blanket - Generally made of rock wool or fiberglass. These 'batts' are available with or without an attached vapor barrier and are used above ceilings, between wall studs and on the underside of floors.
Blow In - Made from rock wool, glass fiber, cellulose fiber and urethanes. These are blown into place or spray applied by special equipment. They can be used where the frame is covered on both sides, such as side walls, and in unfinished attic floors and hard-to-reach places.
They also can be used in new home construction, using containment sheeting over wall cavities to hold insulation material in place. Walls can be finished later using standard method.
Reflective Insulation - Made of aluminum foil, these reflective sheet metal systems and paper products coated with a reflective material can be used to insulate walls and floors. Usually these are more effective at reducing heat gain during the cooling season, where summer comfort conditioning is a problem.
Cellulose Insulation -
Cellulose insulation is made of paper products, principally old newspapers, which are naturally flammable. Cellulose insulation must be chemically treated in order to reduce its flammability. However, the chemical treatment does not make the insulation 'non-combustible' or smolder resistant.
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