Building a new home is more work than most people assume. Selecting building materials is one of the hardest things to do. However, it can be a walk in the park with the right professional assistance. The online marketplace for building materials also helps make the selection easy. Apart from the conventional building materials, you also have to consider the insulation. There are many insulation material options to choose from. Below are some of the best insulation options for new homes;
Cellulose
Cellulose is one of the oldest insulation materials for homes. Therefore, it is commonly applied by custom home builders. This insulation type is made from recycled materials like paper and denim. You can insulate your home with loose-fill or blown-in cellulose. Cellulose is the ideal insulation for placing inside enclosed or open new walls. It is also a great insulation option for the attic. The downside of cellulose is that it can be difficult to install. However, you can enjoy its numerous benefits with the right professional services.
Spray foam
Spray foam insulation is made using two chemicals, isocyanate and polyol resin. The two chemicals form an expanding foam making it a great insulation material. The foam can expand up to 100 times its original size. Therefore, it fits impeccably into all nooks and crannies in the attic. Spray foam insulation is also easy to install directly into the roof rafters. Therefore, it does not take up any floor space. This makes it a favorite insulation option among new homeowners and constructors.
Additionally, this material has incredible sealing properties that help keep heat in thanks to its composition. For this reason, it is a more effective insulation option than traditional materials. Spray foam is an incredible building material for new homes because it meets new standards and is great for improving energy efficiency. It has been proven to decrease energy bills by up to 35%. The downside of spray foam insulation is more expensive than its alternatives.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is typically made from fine glass fibers, hence the name. It is a common insulation material found in many homes. This insulation option is great for installing into open wall cavities in rolls. It is also great for regular joint spacing and insulating crawl spaces and rim joists. This insulation material slows down heat, cold, and sound from penetrating building structures using trap air pockets. This helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Another incredible element of fiberglass is its cost. It is one of the cheapest yet incredibly effective insulation materials. This makes it a great option for a new home. Fiberglass is also non-water sensitive. This stops interior air from touching the cold surface. However, when fiberglass holds moisture, it sags when it is installed and promotes mildew and mold growth. If you suspect that you may have mold growth in your home, you might want to look into services that provide mold testing in Mishawaka, IN (or wherever you are based), so that you can get this found and eradicated as quickly as possible.
Concrete blocks
Concrete block insulation is also great for new homes because you can construct it into the building structures. This is an excellent insulation material for home foundation and even painted feature wall that aren’t filled with structural steel or concrete. Using concrete blocks can help save energy costs for buildings. Additionally, this instruction material is better than installing insulation over block surfaces or exteriors. This material also helps moderate indoor temperatures. Something else that makes this insulation option perfect for new homes is that it can only be installed during construction or major renovations. Installing them in an existing home can be expensive and challenging.
How to pick the right insulation material for a new home
Below are some effective tips for helping you choose the right insulation for a new home;
- Consider your climate and location. Some locations need more insulation than others.
- Consider the building structure and where you wish to install the insulation
- Consider your budget since the insulation costs vary by material and method
- Finally, consider whether you plan to hire professionals to install the insulation or DIY. Some options are too complex to install and require a pro.
Conclusion
With so many options on the market, you would benefit from setting aside ample time for material selection. This way, you can look into various options to find the perfect one. You may also want to consider sustainable construction materials when selecting building materials. Sustainability is an incredible practice that promotes eco-friendliness and awareness.